Latest · 9 October 2026
ABB Robotics and SoftBank to open robotics center in Sabadell
The initiative is part of SoftBank's strategy to combine Arm and OpenAI technologies with physical robotics in a 15,000-square-meter facility.
Alejandro Carmona · Nopubly · 9 October 2026
What happened
According to a report published by expansion.com, ABB Robotics and SoftBank have partnered to establish a major new robotics center in Sabadell. This state-of-the-art facility, which will span 15,000 square meters, is scheduled to start operations in 2028. The project is a core element of the strategic vision of SoftBank, the technology conglomerate led by Masayoshi Son, which aims to bring artificial intelligence into the physical world. Rather than focusing solely on digital software, the new center will focus on merging physical machinery with advanced cognitive capabilities.
Why it matters
For the general public, this initiative represents a major milestone in the evolution of automation. Traditionally, artificial intelligence has been confined to digital screens and software applications. However, as expansion.com reports, this collaboration seeks to embed AI directly into physical robots. By utilizing the advanced chip designs of Arm and the cutting-edge artificial intelligence models developed by OpenAI, the machines created here will be able to perform complex tasks with unprecedented autonomy and adaptability. This integration could redefine productivity across various industrial sectors.
What to watch
As this ambitious project develops, there are several critical factors that deserve close attention in the coming years:
- The construction and development phases of the 15,000-square-meter facility in Sabadell to ensure it meets the 2028 deadline.
- The practical integration of Arm's processing technology and OpenAI's cognitive software into the physical robotics systems designed by ABB.
- The local economic impact, including how this center might position Sabadell as a key hub for advanced robotics and AI development.
- Future announcements from Masayoshi Son regarding SoftBank's broader plans to expand physical AI applications across other sectors.
Source: expansion.com. Nopubly summarises and explains; the facts belong to the outlet linked.