The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
(10 - 33) Manufacturing (28) Manufacture of machinery and equipment 28.9 - Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery 28.99 - Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery n.e.c.
165 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
14 June 2021
Employment effect (start)
14 June 2021
Foreseen end date
Description
SoftBank Robotics, a subsidiary of the Japanese group located in France and specialized in the design of humanoid robots Pepper and Nao, launched a layoff plan that aims to cut nearly half of its jobs in France, amounting to around 165 positions out of 330.
The high prices of the robots, the lack of success of humanoid robots due to their low acceptance in Western countries compared to Asia and the loss of about 100 million euros over the last three years led to this decision. Softbank is renouncing the commercialisation and development of its humanoid robots in Europe, while shifting focus to new robotic products developed in Japan
Eurofound (2021), SoftBank Robotics, Internal restructuring in France, factsheet number 203232, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203232.
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