Softbank and Walmart Back AI Robotics Startup’s ‘Warehouse-as-a-Service’ Venture

Symbotic makes AI-powered robotic warehouse systems, attracting investment from Softbank and Walmart. Their new GreenBox joint venture aims to offer "warehouse-as-a-service" to smaller companies.

Softbank owns 65% of GreenBox, which targets a $500 billion market by letting small firms access the technology without huge upfront costs.

Symbotic grew out of its CEO's family grocery distribution company. Its systems can slash labor needs and costs for warehouse tenants.

Questions remain about GreenBox's pricing, CEO, and capital needs. Competition looms from Amazon and private equity.

If successful, GreenBox could deliver Softbank bigger returns than its Arm Holdings acquisition, partly owned by Walmart too.