Polymer printing, virtual factories, and a $5 billion bet on physical AI

I haven’t had time for a full news roundup lately, but here are a few items that caught my eye—presented in no particular order:

3D Systems is reshaping its software portfolio, announcing plans to divest the Oqton Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) and 3DXpert, its metal-printing platform, to Hubb Global Holdings. The deal, expected to close in Q4 2025, will see the companies collaborating on MOS and 3DXpert, while allowing 3D Systems to focus on its 3D Sprint platform for polymers. Terms weren’t disclosed. For context, 3D Systems acquired 3DXpert as part of its $100 million purchase of Cimatron in 2015. Cimatron (minus 3DXpert) was later sold to Battery Ventures for $65 million in 2020 and then to Sandvik in 2021. 3D Systems acquired Oqton in 2021 for $180M. Read more: https://investor.3dsystems.com/news/news-details/2025/3D-Systems-Provides-Update-on-Software-Strategy/default.aspx 

I’m not sure how I missed this one, but in July, Dassault Systèmes said its DELMIA business had acquired Ascon Qube to “accelerate delivery of its next-gen ‘3D Univ+rses’ environment, [combining] virtual twins, training AI engines, and customer IP protection.” Ascon Qube is an edge-to-cloud platform for planning, monitoring, controlling, and optimizing automated production. It will be folded into DELMIA’s portfolio—timeline and terms undisclosed. Read more: https://www.3ds.com/newsroom/media-alerts/dassault-systemes-accelerates-its-factory-virtual-twin-strategy-execution-acquisition-automation-technology

Monolith, a spin-out from Imperial College London that applies AI/ML to physics and engineering problems, is being acquired by CoreWeave. Monolith CEO Dr. Richard Ahlfeld said, “Monolith was founded to put AI directly into the hands of engineers, enabling them to create breakthrough technologies. Joining CoreWeave will allow us to scale that mission dramatically. Together we will bring powerful tools and domain expertise to thousands more builders across industries who are eager to use AI but lack the infrastructure and know-how.” Terms were not disclosed. Read more: https://www.ipgroupplc.com/news-and-events/ip-group-news/2025/2025-10-08 

And, finally, technology giant SoftBank will acquire ABB’s industrial robotics business for $5.4 billion. This news is interesting because SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has been talking for decades about how robots will revolutionize nearly every aspect of our lives. You may recall that SoftBank owned Boston Dynamics (maker of those cool robot dogs, among other things) until 2021. ABB’s robots are nothing like that, being mostly robotic arms used in manufacturing. ABB had been planning to spin out the business and, in material about that, said it is the world’s second-largest robotics manufacturer. Even so, it had little in common with other arts of ABB and wasn’t growing as quickly as ABB would like (though it was profitable). Now, Mr. Son said, “SoftBank’s next frontier is physical AI. Together with ABB Robotics, we will unite world-class technology and talent under our shared vision to fuse artificial super intelligence and robotics, driving a groundbreaking evolution that will propel humanity forward.” A big promise. Softbank has also invested in OpenAI, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see cross-pollination there. When, of course, is the big question. Read more here: https://group.softbank/en/news/press/20251008 and here: https://www.abb.com/global/en/news/129685 

Never a dull moment!