SoftBank reportedly seeks control of humanoid-robot maker 1X

SoftBank was discussing a majority stake in 1X at a valuation of roughly $6 billion, Reuters reported, citing The Information. The talks were not a completed deal. The humanoid-robot company had previously received backing from the OpenAI Startup Fund.

A controlling investor could coordinate capital, manufacturing and distribution over a longer development period. The operating challenge would remain: repeatedly completing useful tasks in ordinary environments at a cost customers accept.

Intervention, maintenance and downtime belong in that calculation alongside the robot’s purchase price. They also determine which risks fall on the manufacturer and which fall on the customer.