SoftBank is negotiating to acquire a majority stake in humanoid-robot developer
1X Technologies at an about $6 billion valuation, people familiar with the
matter told The Information. 1X, backed by OpenAI, develops soft-bodied consumer
robots for household chores; the investment would advance SoftBank’s robotics
push and fund consumer roll-out. The 12-year-old start-up sought to raise $1
billion at a $10 billion valuation last autumn but reportedly secured less than
half that target. OpenAI and 1X reportedly discussed a possible acquisition last
year but talks collapsed.
