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China Blocks ABB Robotics Sale to SoftBank, Talks Continue

Chinese regulators have rejected the acquisition of ABB's local robotics operations, putting the wider $5.4 billion transaction at risk.

November 5, 2026 by Artem

An ABB dual-arm robot grips a white component in a manufacturing environment.

ZURICH -- The Chinese authorities have stopped the proposed takeover of ABB's robot arm by the Japanese technology investor Softbank which was set to pay $5.375 billion to take over the robotics unit globally from the Swiss industrial company.

The news was reported by ABB Nov. 5 and stated that the decision to stop the deal was taken by China's Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review.

The company added that it is staying in close touch with SoftBank, and both are still trying to complete the transaction. Neither of the companies has come up with any statement about ending the deal.

According to the Financial Times, the Chinese regulators were worried about the robotics data which can be exported outside China and used to build AI models. The country represents ABB Robotics’ biggest market, making up for roughly 30% of its revenues. Over 90% of robots shipped to China are built locally.

SoftBank agreed to take over ABB Robotics in October 2025 in the course of implementing its plan to integrate artificial intelligence into physical robots. In addition, it is reported that the Japanese corporation plans to buy the American security company Allied Universal for as much as $18 billion.