Softbank Forms Company for Physical AI in Japan
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 13 2026
0mins
Softbank (SFTBY) has formed a company to build a foundation model for "physical AI", which autonomously controls robots and machines, in Japan through a public-private partnership, Nikkei Asia's Natsuki Yamamoto reports, citing sources. NEC (NIPNF), Honda Motor (HMC), Sony Group (SONY, MUFG Bank (MUFG), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking (SMFG), Mizuho Bank (MFG), Nippon Steel (NPSCY) and Kobe Steel (KBSTF) have invested in the unit and the Japanese government is mulling whether to offer support.
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About HMC
Honda Motor Co Ltd is a Japan-based company principally engaged in the motorcycle business, the automobile business, the financial service business and the life creation business. The Company operates through four business segments. The Motorcycle segment is engaged in the research and development, production and sale of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-side vehicles and related parts. The Automobile segment is engaged in the research and development, production and sale of automobiles and related parts. The Financial Service segment is engaged in the sales financing and leasing of its products. The Power Products and Other Business segment is engaged in the research and development, production and sale of power products and related parts.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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