Softbank is reportedly eyeing the acquisition of Swiss robotics startup Gravis Robotics, a spin‑out of ETH Zurich that began in 2022. The company is developing an autonomous platform that can turn any earth‑moving machine into a robot, targeting construction, mining and agriculture. Gravis is backed by IQ Capital, Armada Investment Group, Zacua Ventures and Holcim.

It raised a $23m round in November last year. Bloomberg estimates the deal could value Gravis at more than $500 million, though no final terms have been agreed. The move comes as European robotics firms collectively attracted €1.6bn in 2025, a 110% jump from 2024. Softbank’s interest highlights a growing trend of Japanese investors looking to enter the European robotics market.

If completed, the acquisition would strengthen Softbank’s portfolio and give Gravis access to deeper capital and global reach. The company remains in talks, and Sifted has not yet received a formal comment.