SoftBank Group is deepening its commitment to artificial intelligence with a major investment in robotics technology. The Japanese conglomerate is in advanced talks to lead a $500 million funding round for Skild AI, a startup developing a foundational model for robotics that could revolutionize how machines adapt to different tasks and environments.
Founded in 2023 by Carnegie Mellon University professors Deepak Pathak and Abhinav Gupta, Skild AI has developed what it calls the "Skild Brain" - a scalable robotics foundation model designed to function as a universal AI system for various robotic applications. The company aims to create adaptable robots that can function across different environments, from construction sites to factories and homes.
The investment would value Skild AI at approximately $4 billion, a significant increase from its $1.5 billion valuation following its $300 million Series A round in July 2024. That earlier funding attracted high-profile investors including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Coatue Management.
This deal aligns with SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's strategic pivot toward AI and robotics investments. Son has been aggressively positioning SoftBank at the forefront of AI development, including committing $15 billion to the ambitious $500 billion Stargate project with OpenAI and Oracle to build advanced AI infrastructure in the United States.
The robotics AI sector has seen surging investor interest recently. Competitors in the space include Physical Intelligence, which raised $400 million at a $2 billion valuation in November 2024, and Figure AI, which secured $675 million at a $2.6 billion valuation in February 2024 with backing from Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia, and Amazon.
SoftBank's Vision Fund, which had previously slowed its investment pace following significant losses, has recently accelerated its AI-focused deals. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the fund participated in seven investments, including several large rounds in AI, quantum computing, and fusion energy startups.