Japanese robotics subsidiary of the SoftBank Group, known for Pepper, NAO and the cleaning robot Whiz
Headquarters
Tokio
Employee
—
Models here
1
Listings
0
SoftBank Robotics was founded in 2012 as a subsidiary of the SoftBank Group in Tokyo. The company gained worldwide recognition with the humanoid robots Pepper and NAO. The European unit Aldebaran filed for insolvency in February 2025; the IP rights to Pepper and NAO were acquired in July 2025 by Chinese company Maxvision Technology Corp. In October 2025, SoftBank Group agreed to acquire the Robotics Division of ABB for USD 5.375 billion.
In addition to Pepper and NAO, SoftBank Robotics distributes the autonomous floor cleaning robot Whiz, which is currently the commercial focus. In February 2026, Pepper+ was introduced, a revised version with improved AI conversational capabilities for tourism and care facilities.
With Pepper and NAO, SoftBank Robotics has shaped the global perception of social robots. Following the collapse of the European unit and acquisition by Maxvision, the brand is in a realignment phase. The planned acquisition of ABB Robotics by parent company SoftBank Group signals long-term investment commitment in industrial robotics.
Pepper
Social Humanoid · IP to Maxvision
NAO
Educational Humanoid · IP to Maxvision
Whiz
Autonomous Cleaning Robot
Pepper+
Updated Pepper · 2026
Founded as a subsidiary of SoftBank Group in Tokyo.
Market launch of Pepper as the first commercial social robot.
Insolvency of Aldebaran in Europe; IP rights to Pepper and NAO transferred to Maxvision Technology Corp.
SoftBank Group announces acquisition of ABB Robotics Division for 5.375 billion US dollars.
In Switzerland, procurement is currently handled through international resellers. No official Swiss distributor is registered.