SoftBank Group Corp. (SFTBY  ) is reportedly setting up a new venture, Roze AI, focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics and plans to take this venture public as early as the second half of 2026. Roze AI aims to improve the efficiency of AI infrastructure buildout, including the use of autonomous robotics in data center construction. The venture will integrate some of SoftBank's existing energy, land, and infrastructure investments, reported the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

According to the Financial Times, SoftBank is targeting a valuation of up to $100 billion. The group hasn't finalized the size of its stake in Roze it would sell, but typically retains majority control, as seen with its ~90% stake in Arm Holdings (ARM  ). The publication reported that some insiders at SoftBank are doubtful about the proposed valuation and the timeline for the IPO.

The company is planning to host an analyst day at a Texas data center in July to boost interest for Roze's IPO. KPMG has been hired to prepare the necessary financials and documents for the public offering.

SoftBank did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comments.

SoftBank Bets Big On AI Robotics

This development comes at a time when public listings from startups like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic are highly anticipated. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son is betting on the convergence of AI and robotics for future growth, despite past setbacks such as Zume Pizza shutting down and production of the humanoid robot Pepper being halted in 2021.

In October, SoftBank acquired the robotics division of Swiss engineering firm ABB (ABBNY  ) in a $5.4 billion deal, to explore its "next frontier" which is "Physical AI."

Earlier this month, SoftBank secured a $10 billion loan backed by its stake in OpenAI, demonstrating its commitment to expanding into the AI sector. The same month, SoftBank, along with NEC Corp (NECPY  ), Honda Motor Co (HNDAF  ) and Sony Group Corp. (SNEJF  ), formed a new company to expedite AI rollout in Japan and bridge the gap with AI leaders in the U.S. and China.