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In a development capturing global technology and investment headlines, Japan’s SoftBank Group and U.S. chip giant Nvidia are in advanced talks to participate in a funding round for Skild AI, a promising startup developing foundational artificial intelligence models for robotics. The funding round could exceed US$ 1 billion and potentially value Skild AI at around US$ 14 billion, nearly triple its valuation from earlier funding in 2025.
Founded in 2023 by former Meta AI researchers, Skild AI has drawn strong investor interest including backing from Amazon and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Instead of building physical robots, Skild focuses on developing AI ‘brains’ and universal software that can deliver perception, decision-making and adaptability across robotic platforms, a major ambition in the race toward general-purpose AI and autonomous machines.
This potential investment, if concluded before the end of 2025, would reinforce softBank’s long-term robotics and AI strategy, while signaling increasing belief from leading global technology players in the economic potential of AI-driven robotics.
What Skild AI Brings to the Table
Skild AI focuses on software intelligence for all kinds of robots, not hardware. This helps the company tackle a big issue in robotics: the need for scalable and adaptable AI. This AI will enable machines to do complex tasks reliably in changing environments. Its technology uses large datasets and learning models. This helps robots build perception and decision-making skills similar to humans.
In July 2025, the company launched its first general-purpose AI model. This model is made for various robotic tasks, like warehouse logistics and household chores. It shows the company’s goal to advance robots beyond just specific tasks.
SoftBank and エヌビディア plan to invest in Skild after its earlier Series B round. That round valued Skild at around US$ 4.7 billion. The big jump in valuation shows that investors are excited about general-purpose AI and the broader robotics market.
How Will Be Strategic Implications for SoftBank and Nvidia
For SoftBank Group, robotics remains a core pillar under CEO Masayoshi Son’s long-term vision of AI-powered automation and next-generation technology services. SoftBank’s recent acquisition of the ABB Robotics business for roughly US$ 5.4 billion further underscores its intent to build scale across both software and hardware segments of robotics.
SoftBank is reshaping its portfolio. It focuses on AI infrastructure, enterprise AI, and robotics. This change follows efforts to restructure and increase profits from its AI holdings.
Nvidia provides the computing power for much of modern AI. Backing an AI robotics startup aligns with its aim to boost AI ecosystems. This covers everything from cloud services to self-driving machines. Nvidia can add powerful AI processing and GPU support to Skild’s development plans.
These investments will place Skild AI at the intersection of software intelligence and robotics. This sector is ready for rapid growth. Industries are looking into automation in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and home robotics.
What are the Impacts on the Japanese Tech Industry
1. Reinforcing Japan’s AI and Robotics Leadership
Japan has long been considered a global leader in robotics, with deep expertise in industrial automation and humanoid robotics. However, recent years saw increased competition from global AI hubs in the U.S., China, and Europe. The potential SoftBank-Nvidia investment into Skild AI could inject momentum into Japan’s AI and robotics ecosystem, but with an international dimension that suggests collaboration over insular development.
This move supports Japan’s positioning as a bridge between advanced AI research and practical robotics deployment, especially if software innovations like Skild’s foundation models complement existing strengths in robotics manufacturing and industrial systems.
2. Boosting Domestic Startups and Innovation
A high-valuation investment by SoftBank and Nvidia signals strong global confidence in AI startups’ ability to innovate beyond traditional domains. For Japanese startups and tech enterprises, this can catalyze:
- Increased venture capital inflows into local AI research and robotics ventures.
- Expanded collaboration opportunities with global AI developers and hardware partners.
- Talent attraction and retention, as engineers and researchers seek roles in cutting-edge AI fields.
Given Japan’s aging population and labor shortages in certain sectors, AI-driven robotics could provide productive solutions in healthcare, eldercare, logistics, and manufacturing, fueling business demand beyond initial use cases.
Effects on Businesses Operating in Robotics and AI
1. Competitive Landscape and Ecosystem Growth
SoftBank and Nvidia’s potential backing of Skild AI underscores the convergence of AI software, robotics hardware, and cloud computing services. Businesses operating in these fields should anticipate:
- Shifts toward software-centric robotics platforms, where AI models become the primary differentiator.
- Heightened competition among robotics suppliers and systems integrators.
- Demand for AI-enhanced automation solutions across sectors from e-commerce to transportation.
2. Technology Adoption and Industrial Transformation
Enterprises that integrate advanced AI models into operational workflows, especially in logistics, manufacturing automation and customer service, may gain efficiency and cost advantages. The push toward more capable robots can accelerate automation in environments previously resistant to AI due to complexity or customization needs.
3. Research, Education, and Workforce Development
The expansion of AI and robotics investment will likely drive demand for training programs, university research partnerships, and workforce development initiatives. Japanese firms may need to engage in skills reskilling, focusing on AI software development, robotics engineering, and ethical implementation frameworks.
Conclusion: A Strategic Moment for AI and Robotics in Japan
The potential valuation of Skild AI at US$ 14 billion is significant. It has caught the attention of SoftBank Group and Nvidia. This marks an important moment for the global AI and robotics industry. For Japan, this shows SoftBank’s key role in the future of automation. It’s also a chance for greater tech leadership as AI shifts from data centers to machines and robots.
Watchers and businesses should keep an eye on this deal. It could speed up robotics innovation, change competition, and create a new type of AI-powered robot. These robots might transform industries around the globe.
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