SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son recently launched a "trillion-level" AI robot technology park project called "Project Crystal Land", personally reaching out to tech giants like TSMC and Samsung, and actively negotiating tax incentives with the Trump administration, hoping to integrate AI and advanced manufacturing technologies to reshape the US technology manufacturing ecosystem.
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ToggleReplicating Shenzhen's Success, Establishing an AI Robot Manufacturing Base in the US
According to Bloomberg, Son plans to establish an AI robot manufacturing park in Arizona, modeled after the successful "Shenzhen Manufacturing Park" in China, named "Project Crystal Land", with production lines specifically for AI industrial robots, aiming to bring advanced manufacturing back to the United States.
Discussing Collaboration with TSMC and Samsung, Negotiating Tax Reductions with the Trump Administration
Currently, SoftBank is actively seeking external partners and negotiating tax breaks with the Trump administration. Son has personally approached multiple tech giants, exploring collaboration possibilities and inviting TSMC and Samsung to participate, though both parties have not responded publicly.
Some SoftBank-Invested Startups Likely to Settle In, Scale to Reach 1 Trillion USD
SoftBank has initially selected some enterprises from its Vision Fund to establish factories in this AI park, including the German startup Agile Robots SE, which specializes in robotics and automation technologies.
However, the project is still in its early stages and depends on Trump administration support. According to reports, if implemented according to Son's original concept, the project could reach a scale of 1 trillion USD, with the key factor being whether large tech companies are willing to participate.
SoftBank Fully Focused on AI Infrastructure
As of the end of March this year, SoftBank has approximately 23 billion USD in cash and net assets of around 172 billion USD, having recently sold part of its T-Mobile US subsidiary shares, raising about 4.8 billion USD.
SoftBank is also preparing to invest 30 billion USD in OpenAI and plans to acquire chip company Ampere Computing for 6.5 billion USD.
Additionally, it is collaborating with OpenAI, Oracle, and UAE's MGX on the "Stargate" global AI data center project, aiming to leverage project financing to mobilize large-scale investments with minimal initial capital, planning to invest at least 500 billion USD.
(Son Masayoshi: This is the beginning of the AI golden age! Trump announces 500 billion USD Stargate AI infrastructure plan)
AI Funding Chain Pressure Continues
According to understanding, SoftBank and OpenAI's previous plan to raise billions to establish US data centers has progressed slower than expected due to Trump's tariffs. The market generally believes that Crystal Land's realization depends on actual market demand and funding availability.
Bloomberg analysis suggests that to realize this concept, SoftBank might need to sell mature assets and expand investments in unlisted, higher-risk startups. However, experts note that while the plan is high-risk, continued infrastructure investment could reduce development costs and promote broader AI applications.
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