Softbank Forms Company for Physical AI in Japan
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 13 2026
0mins
Should l Buy HMC?
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.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy HMC?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on HMC
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.
Sony and Honda Plan Continued Collaboration Despite JV Cancellation
- Joint Venture Cancellation: Although the 50-50 joint mobility venture between Sony and Honda has been called off, both companies plan to continue their collaboration, indicating a long-term strategic intent in the electric vehicle sector.
- Employee Transition: The joint venture currently employs 400 staff members, with some expected to be absorbed by the parent companies, which will impact resource integration and operational efficiency for both firms.
- Technological Synergy: The venture combined Sony's strengths in imaging, sensing, software, and entertainment with Honda's automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise, aiming to elevate mobility experiences to new heights.
- Market Outlook: Sony's Vision-S concept cars showcased in 2020 and 2022 signal its interest in entering the mobility space, and despite the dissolution of the joint venture, both companies are likely to seek new collaborative opportunities in the electric vehicle market.
See More
Impact of Trump's Tariffs One Year Later
- Widespread Tariff Impact: Trump's tariff policies have placed significant economic pressure on U.S. businesses over the past year, with approximately 80% to 85% of costs absorbed by companies, leading to reduced profits and increased consumer prices, thereby exacerbating overall economic uncertainty.
- Retail Sector Adaptation: While large retailers like Walmart have emerged relatively unscathed, smaller businesses have been severely impacted, with Home Depot aiming to limit purchases from any single country to 10% to reduce dependency and enhance supply chain flexibility.
- Automotive Industry Cost Surge: Automakers such as General Motors and Toyota are facing tariff impacts estimated at up to $9.5 billion, and although the Trump administration has taken steps to alleviate overlapping tariffs, overall costs remain significant, forcing companies to reassess their supply chain strategies.
- Pharmaceutical Sector Stability: Pharmaceutical companies have secured three-year tariff exemptions through pricing agreements with Trump, although new tariffs impose 100% on companies that do not reach agreements, the overall industry is still striving to increase investments in U.S. manufacturing.
See More
Tesla's Brand Image Declines Amid High Recognition
- Brand Recognition vs. Trust Gap: Tesla, despite its high recognition in the EV sector, has a brand positivity score of -4, significantly lower than Toyota and Honda's scores of +20 and +16, indicating a critical lack of brand trust that could impact future sales and market share.
- Consumer Perception of FSD: When considering Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology, consumers are influenced not only by the technology itself but also by Elon Musk, with negative sentiment accounting for 14%, highlighting the close relationship between brand image and the leader's personal reputation.
- Safety Concerns and Opposition: Among feedback on FSD, 33% of consumers expressed safety concerns, while 17% indicated general dislike for Tesla, suggesting that these sentiments could affect potential customers' purchasing decisions and increase competitive pressure in the market.
- Risk of Brand Trust: As brand trust continues to lag while visibility remains high, Tesla faces increasing brand risk that could exacerbate its position in the EV market, particularly in an increasingly competitive landscape.
See More
Honda and Sony Halt Electric Vehicle Development
- Joint Development Halted: Honda and Sony have decided to cease their joint electric vehicle development due to significant losses at Sony Honda Mobility and legal and distribution challenges surrounding the Afeela model, indicating a drastic reduction in the feasibility of their collaboration.
- Strategic Shift Impact: Honda's adjustment of its EV strategy complicates continued cooperation, reflecting the necessity for companies to adapt swiftly to market demands and internal strategic changes in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
- Joint Venture Background: Sony Honda Mobility was established in 2022 as a 50-50 joint venture aimed at leveraging Sony's strengths in imaging, sensing, software, and entertainment alongside Honda's automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise, yet changing market conditions have hindered this vision.
- Market Reaction: Honda's $15.7 billion write-down in its EV business has led to its first annual loss since 1957, highlighting the challenges and risks it faces in the electric vehicle sector, which may affect investor confidence in its future growth.
See More
Toyota and Mitsubishi Financial Set to Surge: Reasons to Invest in Japanese Stocks.
- Investment Appeal: Japan is becoming an attractive destination for investment due to improving business conditions.
- Focus on Profits: Companies are increasingly prioritizing profits and returning cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.
- Impact of Currency: A weaker yen is contributing to enhanced earnings for exporters.
- Overall Economic Outlook: The combination of these factors is creating a more favorable environment for investors in Japan.
See More
Nissan Introduces New e-Power Hybrid System to U.S. Market
- e-Power Hybrid System: Nissan plans to introduce its new e-Power hybrid system in the U.S. market, which uses a traditional gasoline engine to generate power for electric motors, providing an all-electric driving experience and potentially enhancing Nissan's competitiveness in the hybrid market.
- Market Timing: With rising gas prices and slow EV adoption, Nissan's e-Power system is expected to meet consumer demands for fuel economy, as S&P Global Mobility forecasts hybrid sales to rise to 18.4% of new vehicle sales in 2023, a significant increase from last year.
- Powertrain Upgrade: Nissan has developed a more powerful 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine for the e-Power system to improve efficiency at higher speeds and enhance driving dynamics, aiming to attract consumers who are hesitant about traditional hybrids.
- Global Success: Since its debut in Japan in 2016, Nissan's e-Power system has sold over 1.6 million vehicles in nearly 70 countries, demonstrating its global success and potential for similar recognition in the U.S. market.
See More
Sony and Honda Plan Continued Collaboration Despite JV Cancellation
- Joint Venture Cancellation: Although the 50-50 joint mobility venture between Sony and Honda has been called off, both companies plan to continue their collaboration, indicating a long-term strategic intent in the electric vehicle sector.
- Employee Transition: The joint venture currently employs 400 staff members, with some expected to be absorbed by the parent companies, which will impact resource integration and operational efficiency for both firms.
- Technological Synergy: The venture combined Sony's strengths in imaging, sensing, software, and entertainment with Honda's automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise, aiming to elevate mobility experiences to new heights.
- Market Outlook: Sony's Vision-S concept cars showcased in 2020 and 2022 signal its interest in entering the mobility space, and despite the dissolution of the joint venture, both companies are likely to seek new collaborative opportunities in the electric vehicle market.
See More
Impact of Trump's Tariffs One Year Later
- Widespread Tariff Impact: Trump's tariff policies have placed significant economic pressure on U.S. businesses over the past year, with approximately 80% to 85% of costs absorbed by companies, leading to reduced profits and increased consumer prices, thereby exacerbating overall economic uncertainty.
- Retail Sector Adaptation: While large retailers like Walmart have emerged relatively unscathed, smaller businesses have been severely impacted, with Home Depot aiming to limit purchases from any single country to 10% to reduce dependency and enhance supply chain flexibility.
- Automotive Industry Cost Surge: Automakers such as General Motors and Toyota are facing tariff impacts estimated at up to $9.5 billion, and although the Trump administration has taken steps to alleviate overlapping tariffs, overall costs remain significant, forcing companies to reassess their supply chain strategies.
- Pharmaceutical Sector Stability: Pharmaceutical companies have secured three-year tariff exemptions through pricing agreements with Trump, although new tariffs impose 100% on companies that do not reach agreements, the overall industry is still striving to increase investments in U.S. manufacturing.
See More
Tesla's Brand Image Declines Amid High Recognition
- Brand Recognition vs. Trust Gap: Tesla, despite its high recognition in the EV sector, has a brand positivity score of -4, significantly lower than Toyota and Honda's scores of +20 and +16, indicating a critical lack of brand trust that could impact future sales and market share.
- Consumer Perception of FSD: When considering Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology, consumers are influenced not only by the technology itself but also by Elon Musk, with negative sentiment accounting for 14%, highlighting the close relationship between brand image and the leader's personal reputation.
- Safety Concerns and Opposition: Among feedback on FSD, 33% of consumers expressed safety concerns, while 17% indicated general dislike for Tesla, suggesting that these sentiments could affect potential customers' purchasing decisions and increase competitive pressure in the market.
- Risk of Brand Trust: As brand trust continues to lag while visibility remains high, Tesla faces increasing brand risk that could exacerbate its position in the EV market, particularly in an increasingly competitive landscape.
See More
Honda and Sony Halt Electric Vehicle Development
- Joint Development Halted: Honda and Sony have decided to cease their joint electric vehicle development due to significant losses at Sony Honda Mobility and legal and distribution challenges surrounding the Afeela model, indicating a drastic reduction in the feasibility of their collaboration.
- Strategic Shift Impact: Honda's adjustment of its EV strategy complicates continued cooperation, reflecting the necessity for companies to adapt swiftly to market demands and internal strategic changes in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
- Joint Venture Background: Sony Honda Mobility was established in 2022 as a 50-50 joint venture aimed at leveraging Sony's strengths in imaging, sensing, software, and entertainment alongside Honda's automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise, yet changing market conditions have hindered this vision.
- Market Reaction: Honda's $15.7 billion write-down in its EV business has led to its first annual loss since 1957, highlighting the challenges and risks it faces in the electric vehicle sector, which may affect investor confidence in its future growth.
See More
Toyota and Mitsubishi Financial Set to Surge: Reasons to Invest in Japanese Stocks.
- Investment Appeal: Japan is becoming an attractive destination for investment due to improving business conditions.
- Focus on Profits: Companies are increasingly prioritizing profits and returning cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.
- Impact of Currency: A weaker yen is contributing to enhanced earnings for exporters.
- Overall Economic Outlook: The combination of these factors is creating a more favorable environment for investors in Japan.
See More
Nissan Introduces New e-Power Hybrid System to U.S. Market
- e-Power Hybrid System: Nissan plans to introduce its new e-Power hybrid system in the U.S. market, which uses a traditional gasoline engine to generate power for electric motors, providing an all-electric driving experience and potentially enhancing Nissan's competitiveness in the hybrid market.
- Market Timing: With rising gas prices and slow EV adoption, Nissan's e-Power system is expected to meet consumer demands for fuel economy, as S&P Global Mobility forecasts hybrid sales to rise to 18.4% of new vehicle sales in 2023, a significant increase from last year.
- Powertrain Upgrade: Nissan has developed a more powerful 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine for the e-Power system to improve efficiency at higher speeds and enhance driving dynamics, aiming to attract consumers who are hesitant about traditional hybrids.
- Global Success: Since its debut in Japan in 2016, Nissan's e-Power system has sold over 1.6 million vehicles in nearly 70 countries, demonstrating its global success and potential for similar recognition in the U.S. market.
See More
