SoftBank and Nvidia Back Germany’s Agile Robots at $8.5 Billion Valuation

German robotics company Agile Robots has raised $500 million in a funding round led by Japan’s SoftBank Group, taking its valuation to $8.5 billion. Nvidia and Japanese industrial conglomerate Hitachi also participated in the investment, giving the Munich-based company additional financial backing as it seeks to expand its presence in the United States and increase manufacturing capacity.

The funding highlights growing investor interest in physical artificial intelligence, a field focused on combining AI software with machines that can interact with the physical world. Agile Robots develops industrial robotic arms, automated systems and humanoid robots. The company plans to use the new capital to support international expansion and increase production, including at its facilities in Germany.

Agile Robots Raises $500 Million in SoftBank-Led Funding Round

Agile Robots announced on November 12, 2026, that it had secured $500 million in a funding round led by SoftBank. Nvidia and Hitachi also participated, although the company did not disclose the individual investment amounts contributed by each investor.

The transaction values Agile Robots at $8.5 billion, placing the German company among Europe’s most highly valued robotics businesses.

The investment comes as major technology companies and financial investors increase their exposure to robotics. Advances in AI models, sensors, computer vision and hardware are making it possible to develop machines capable of performing more complex tasks in industrial environments.

For Agile Robots, the new funding provides capital to expand its manufacturing operations and pursue opportunities in the US market.

The company has not disclosed a detailed allocation of the $500 million or a specific timeline for its expansion plans.

What Does Agile Robots Do?

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center, Agile Robots develops robotic systems designed for industrial and commercial applications.

Its product portfolio includes robotic arms, robotic hands, automated transport systems, manufacturing cells and humanoid robots.

Unlike traditional industrial robots that are generally designed to perform specific repetitive tasks, newer AI-enabled robotic systems are being developed to handle more varied operations. These include manipulating objects, responding to changes in their surroundings and performing tasks that require greater precision.

Agile Robots combines robotics hardware with AI-based software and control systems. Its technology is aimed at industries such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, logistics and healthcare.

The company employs more than 2,000 research and development specialists and holds over 650 patents, according to information reported alongside the funding announcement.

Its growing patent portfolio and engineering workforce reflect the technical investment required to develop robots that can operate reliably in real-world industrial settings.

New German Factory Can Produce 10,000 Humanoid Robots Annually

Manufacturing capacity is a major part of Agile Robots’ expansion strategy.

Earlier in 2026, the company opened a factory in Fürstenfeldbruck, near Munich, to meet what it described as rapidly rising demand for its robotic systems.

The facility has the capacity to manufacture up to 10,000 legged and wheeled humanoid robots annually, according to the company.

The factory gives Agile Robots a manufacturing base in Germany as it seeks to move beyond research and development towards larger-scale production.

However, the stated capacity represents the facility’s potential output, not confirmed annual deliveries. Actual production will depend on customer demand, manufacturing efficiency and the company’s ability to scale its supply chain.

Expanding production is particularly important for humanoid robotics, where companies must demonstrate that their machines can move beyond experimental demonstrations and operate consistently in commercial environments.

Nvidia Partnership Strengthens Agile Robots’ AI Capabilities

Nvidia’s participation in the funding round builds on its existing collaboration with Agile Robots.

The two companies have been working together on humanoid robotics platforms that combine Agile’s hardware with Nvidia’s computing technology and robotics software.

In October 2026, Agile Robots announced plans to produce up to 2,000 smaller humanoid robots in 2027 through its partnership with Nvidia. The planned ONE S and ONE SN models are aimed at universities and corporate research laboratories.

The ONE SN model includes Nvidia’s Jetson Thor onboard computer, alongside cameras and dexterous robotic hands.

The partnership is designed to give researchers a more integrated platform for developing and testing robotic capabilities. Instead of assembling hardware, computing systems and software separately, customers can work with a more standardised configuration.

Nvidia has been expanding its robotics ecosystem by supplying processors, software platforms and AI models that developers can use to build machines capable of understanding and interacting with their surroundings.

For Agile Robots, access to Nvidia’s technology could help accelerate product development and strengthen its position in the emerging market for AI-powered industrial robots.

SoftBank Expands Its Robotics Investment Strategy

The investment also fits into SoftBank’s broader strategy of building exposure to artificial intelligence and robotics.

The Japanese technology investment group, led by Masayoshi Son, has been increasing its involvement in technologies that could reshape industrial production and automation.

Robotics is a natural extension of SoftBank’s AI investments. While software-based AI systems operate primarily in digital environments, physical AI connects intelligence with machines that can perform tasks in factories, warehouses and other real-world settings.

SoftBank has also agreed to acquire ABB’s robotics business in a separate transaction, reflecting its ambition to build a stronger position in industrial automation.

Backing Agile Robots gives the group exposure to a European robotics developer with its own hardware, engineering capabilities and manufacturing ambitions.

Hitachi’s participation adds another industrial technology investor to the funding round. Its involvement could also create opportunities for collaboration between robotics developers and established industrial businesses, although the companies have not announced specific commercial arrangements linked to the investment.

Physical AI Attracts Growing Investor Interest

Agile Robots’ valuation reflects rising expectations around the commercial potential of physical AI.

AI systems have already transformed areas such as software development, customer service, data analysis and content generation. Investors are increasingly looking at the next stage: applying AI to machines that can perform physical work.

Factories and warehouses are potential early markets because many operations involve repetitive activities, material handling and structured environments.

AI-powered robots could eventually perform a wider range of tasks by combining visual recognition, movement planning and real-time decision-making.

However, commercial adoption remains challenging. Humanoid robots must operate safely around people, handle unpredictable objects and perform reliably over long periods. Companies also need to demonstrate that the cost of purchasing and maintaining these machines is justified by productivity improvements.

The gap between impressive demonstrations and dependable industrial deployment remains one of the biggest challenges for the sector.

Agile Robots will therefore need to convert its research capabilities and manufacturing capacity into repeat orders and sustainable commercial demand.

The Bigger Picture

The $8.5 billion valuation highlights how investors are increasingly viewing robotics as a major opportunity within the broader AI market. SoftBank brings financial backing, Nvidia contributes computing technology and robotics software, while Hitachi adds industrial technology experience. Their participation reflects the growing overlap between semiconductor companies, AI developers, industrial manufacturers and investment groups.

For Europe, Agile Robots’ growth also represents an opportunity to strengthen its position in a global robotics industry dominated by competition from the United States and Asia. Germany already has a strong industrial manufacturing base, but turning that expertise into globally competitive AI-powered robotics businesses will require investment, technological innovation and commercial adoption. The latest funding gives Agile Robots additional resources to pursue that ambition.

Looking Ahead

Agile Robots is expected to focus on expanding its US operations and increasing production capacity in Germany. Its Fürstenfeldbruck factory, with a stated annual capacity of up to 10,000 humanoid robots, will be an important part of that strategy. The company’s partnership with Nvidia could also help it develop products for research institutions and industrial customers as demand for AI-enabled robotics grows.

The larger test will be whether Agile Robots can turn its technology and investor backing into profitable, large-scale deployments. The robotics market offers significant potential, but commercial success will depend on reliability, affordability and measurable productivity gains. Its ability to secure customers and scale production will ultimately determine whether the company’s $8.5 billion valuation is justified.

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