SoftBank Reportedly Set to Acquire Robotics and AI Institute from Hyundai Motor Group
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- HumanoidsDaily
SoftBank has reportedly agreed to acquire the Robotics and AI Institute (RAI) from Hyundai Motor Group, as reported by The Robot Report on September 18. This acquisition could bring Marc Raibert's research organization under SoftBank's ownership, although financial terms and the progress of the review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) remain undisclosed.
The acquisition is significant as RAI focuses on addressing fundamental challenges in robotics and AI, aiming to enhance machine capabilities and usability. Raibert, the executive director, leads the organization, which operates from offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Zurich. The potential acquisition aligns with SoftBank's strategy to leverage RAI's research base for developing diverse robotic applications.
No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication. The reported acquisition adds complexity to Hyundai's ongoing efforts to consolidate its ownership of Boston Dynamics, as SoftBank previously exercised its put option regarding its stake in the company. This move highlights the evolving landscape of robotics and AI, with SoftBank's interests extending to humanoid robotics as well.
Original report
SoftBank Reportedly Agrees to Buy Marc Raibert’s Robotics Institute
HumanoidsDaily · [email protected] (Humanoids Daily Staff)This briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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