🇯🇵 SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran
Aldebaran Robotics, founded in Paris in 2005, created the NAO (2008) and Pepper (2014) social humanoid robots. SoftBank acquired Aldebaran for ~$100M in 2012-2013, rebranding it SoftBank Robotics. After commercial struggles, Aldebaran filed for bankruptcy in February 2025; Shenzhen-based Maxvision Technology acquired the Pepper and NAO IP in July 2025. SoftBank Robotics announced an AI-updated Pepper+ in February 2026.
Humanoid robots by SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran
3 · scored byHMX
History · 3 robots recorded, current and past
Full history →Every model and generation from SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran the index has recorded, including retired and merged ones. Nothing is deleted; each robot's full version history is one click away.
| Year | Robot | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | NAO | commercial | history |
| 2014 | Pepper | retired | history |
| 2026 | Pepper+ | pilot | history |
SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran in 2026: lineup, ranking and funding
SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran has 3 ranked models across 1 category in this catalogue. Counts and ranks cover all its models, including later pages; specification scores do not establish independently tested performance.
Among its 3 humanoid records, each score is compared within that category. Its highest-scoring, NAO, ranks 86th of 169 on the HMX at 46.7. Its scores in this category range from 40.9 to 46.7.
1 of its 3 ranked records claim commercial or limited-production maturity. Deployment evidence is reported separately.
SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran has disclosed $100m in funding, 35th among 55 companies reporting funding. These figures are not independently audited.
Frequently asked questions about SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran
What robots does SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran make?
This catalogue contains 3 ranked models. Its category leaders include NAO.
What is SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran's best robot?
Each category has its own score and leader: NAO (HMX 46.7, 86th of 169). Composite scores are compared within categories.
Can you buy the NAO?
Its recorded stage is commercial, with a published price of $9,000. Confirm availability and terms with the maker.
Where is SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran based?
SoftBank Robotics / Aldebaran is based in Paris, France (Aldebaran) / Tokyo, Japan (SoftBank Robotics), founded in 2005.