SoftBank Group is currently in discussions to acquire a majority interest in 1X Technologies, a humanoid robot developer backed by OpenAI, according to sources familiar with the matter. The potential transaction would value the startup at approximately $6 billion.

This investment is expected to accelerate SoftBank's robotics initiatives while providing 1X Technologies with extended capital runway to advance its soft-bodied humanoid robots for household chores. Two sources briefed on the funding efforts revealed that the twelve-year-old startup had aimed to raise $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation last autumn, but ultimately secured less than half of that target.

Negotiations remain ongoing and terms could still shift, the sources cautioned. This development underscores the sustained market enthusiasm for humanoid robots, despite the considerable cost and complexity involved in developing AI-driven machines capable of human-like thought, action, and safe movement.

SoftBank's chief executive, Masayoshi Son, has long invested in and controlled multiple robotics ventures. He has previously predicted that the convergence of robotics, artificial intelligence, and physical hardware would give rise to the next trillion-dollar enterprise. "SoftBank's next frontier is physical AI," Son remarked last year.

Separately, OpenAI explored the possibility of acquiring 1X Technologies last year, but those discussions ultimately collapsed, according to insiders. OpenAI had investigated humanoid robot development, though this effort was overshadowed by work on other AI hardware products, including a smart speaker developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. OpenAI acquired the startup founded by Ive last year.

Caitlin Kalinowski, who led OpenAI's robotics division, departed in March, citing concerns over the company's hasty partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. In June, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told a group of Y Combinator-backed startups that he was highly optimistic about humanoid robots, as they could accelerate data center construction timelines, sources said.

OpenAI first invested in 1X Technologies in 2023 through its startup fund, which is designed to support emerging companies by providing early access to OpenAI's model versions. Over the years, Son has consistently positioned robotics as a cornerstone of the AI-driven era. However, some of his earlier ventures in this sector did not achieve success. SoftBank discontinued production of its Pepper humanoid robot in 2020, divested 80% of Boston Dynamics the following year, and sold its remaining stake in the company entirely in July.