SoftBank is creating a robotics company that builds data centers — and already eyeing a $100B IPO

In a bold move to enhance automation in the tech industry, Japanese conglomerate SoftBank is reportedly setting the stage for a new venture dedicated to revolutionizing data center construction. The company is establishing a new entity known as Roze AI, as initially disclosed by the Financial Times. Roze AI aims to streamline the construction of data centers across the United States, focusing on increasing efficiency through innovative solutions. Key to this initiative is the utilization of autonomous robots, which will assist in building server farms, potentially transforming traditional methods of construction. In an intriguing development, SoftBank is already preparing Roze AI for an initial public offering (IPO), with aspirations to launch in the latter half of 2026. Reports suggest that the valuation for this new venture could reach an impressive $100 billion. This initiative aligns with a broader trend where tech giants are increasingly investing in AI and automation to enhance industrial efficiency. For instance, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has co-founded Project Prometheus, a startup aimed at acquiring and modernizing companies in key industrial sectors through AI technologies. However, not all within SoftBank are fully supportive of the ambitious valuation and the timeline for the IPO, reflecting a degree of skepticism about the venture's prospects. This caution comes in light of SoftBank's previous investments, including a significant stake in Zume, an AI-driven pizza delivery startup that ultimately failed in 2023. As SoftBank embarks on this exciting journey, it underscores the growing intersection of robotics and infrastructure development in the tech landscape.