SoftBank to acquire Robotics and AI Institute from Hyundai

SoftBank Group Corp. has reached an agreement to acquire the Robotics and AI Institute (RAI) from Hyundai Motor Group. While the financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, the deal is currently undergoing review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the RAI specializes in research regarding robot control, perception, manipulation, navigation, and artificial intelligence. The institute is notable for developing the ‘whole-body learning’ framework used by Boston Dynamics’ new Atlas robot. RAI was originally established in 2022 following Hyundai’s acquisition of Boston Dynamics, receiving an initial investment exceeding $400 million.

The acquisition comes amid broader strategic moves by SoftBank, including a planned $5.3 billion purchase of ABB’s robotics business. Marc Raibert, the founder of both Boston Dynamics and RAI, remains a central figure in the industry, though his future role within the new structure remains unconfirmed.