A new joint venture is being formed by SoftBank, NEC, Sony Group, and Honda Motor to develop high-performance, domestically produced AI aimed at competing with leading U.S. and Chinese firms, with a focus on physical AI and later expansion to multiple models.

Engineers from SoftBank and Preferred Networks are expected to participate, fueling the development effort.

The AI model will be shared with other Japanese companies, as the plan includes expanding to additional models and factory-robot AI.

Market data show broad ratings coverage, including composite metrics such as Global, Trader, Investor, Quality, and ESG MSCI AA, though detailed numerical values are not all provided in the excerpt.

Analysts forecast an OUTPERFORM rating from 18 analysts, with an average target price around 5,217.69 yen and a last close near 3,778 yen, implying roughly a 38% upside.

SoftBank itself employs about 67,000 people, underscoring the scale of its global operations.

The group’s portfolio includes Fortress and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks-related businesses, indicating activity in sports and affiliated ventures.

Other investors in the venture include Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, MUFG Bank, SMBC, and Mizuho Bank, joining as minority backers.

Leading Japanese banks and corporations are participating as minority investors alongside the founding firms.

Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho Bank are among the investors in the new company.

SoftBank Group operates across six core segments, including mobile services in Japan, Sprint in the U.S., Yahoo, ARM, Vision Fund, Delta Fund, and Bright Star.

Officials acknowledge the U.S. and China lead AI globally, but emphasize Japan’s edge in physical AI and securing domestic AI capabilities.