BlackBerry QNX
"Software Foundation for Physical AI"
Provider of the QNX real-time OS, hypervisor and safety-certified software foundation for automotive, robotics and embedded physical-AI systems.
QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, provides safety-critical embedded software that software-defined and physical-AI systems depend on to operate safely and predictably in the real world. The business traces its origin to Quantum Software Systems, founded in 1980 in Ottawa, Canada by two University of Waterloo graduates, who created the QNX microkernel operating system. QNX Neutrino, a POSIX-compliant, symmetric-multiprocessing real-time operating system, was released in 2001. QNX Software Systems was acquired by Harman International in 2004 and by BlackBerry in 2010; in 2025 BlackBerry relaunched QNX as a dedicated brand for its embedded and IoT business.
QNX delivers a high-performance, safety-ready microkernel RTOS, hypervisor, middleware, and development tools, with products including the QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) 8.0, the QNX General Embedded Development Platform (GEDP), the Alloy Kore software-defined-vehicle foundation, and the QNX Cabin digital-cockpit reference solution. For robotics, QNX offers a real-time OS integrated with Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2) and supports certification to standards such as IEC 61508 SIL 3 and IEC 62304, enabling deterministic, low-jitter control for industrial robots and autonomous machines. QNX software is embedded in more than 275 million vehicles worldwide and underpins mission-critical systems across automotive, industrial controls, robotics, medical devices, commercial transportation, rail, and aerospace and defense. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, QNX partners with silicon vendors including AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, NXP, Qualcomm, Renesas, and Texas Instruments.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
QNX Software Development Platform
High-performance, safety-ready microkernel RTOS platform for embedded and autonomous systems.
QNX General Embedded Development Platform
Modular, scalable embedded development platform for general embedded and robotics systems.
Alloy Kore
Pre-integrated foundational software platform for software-defined vehicles.
Company Facts
Founded
1980
Primary Role
Software/Algorithm
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Subsidiary / Acquired
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
U.S. Nuclear Power Plants Embrace AI Integration for Operational Efficiency
The U.S. nuclear power sector is increasingly adopting AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Nearly all of the 94 nuclear reactors in the U.S. have been offered AI integration, with many accepting the opportunity. Atomic Canyon's NIVA, a virtual assistant for the nuclear industry, is now available across the fleet, while Nuclearn's products are utilized by over 65 partners, addressing workforce challenges and regulatory complexities. The integration of AI is crucial for the nuclear industry, which faces an aging workforce and hardware. According to Nuclearn CFO Jerrold Vincent, AI can help manage intricate regulations and streamline documentation processes, essential for regulatory compliance. The collaboration between technology firms and the nuclear sector aims to revitalize nuclear power, which is seen as vital for meeting the growing electricity demands of data centers. Looking ahead, the nuclear industry must navigate public perception challenges while leveraging AI to enhance operational capabilities. As the demand for advanced reactors increases, the successful integration of AI will be pivotal for the industry's future. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Nuclear-power Artificial-intelligence Epri
iiQKA.AI Vision Enhances Industrial Image Processing with User-Friendly Interface
iiQKA.AI Vision has introduced a standalone vision application within iiQWorks, designed to simplify industrial image processing. This application features a graphical user interface that allows users to implement vision applications efficiently, utilizing drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built templates, and guided workflows from setup to commissioning. The significance of this development lies in its ability to ensure process reliability through robust image processing capabilities, including precise 2D and 3D object recognition, automatic position determination, and gripper point calculation. The system is designed to perform reliably under varying component conditions and changing lighting, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications. Looking ahead, the seamless integration of iiQKA.AI Vision with iiQWorks and the robot controller facilitates a unified system from engineering to operation. This integration supports a consistent workflow from configuration to deployment, along with centralized management and monitoring via a web interface. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
First Coordinated Drilling Robot Achieves 10x Speed and 99% Accuracy
A groundbreaking drilling robot has been developed, showcasing the ability to perform coordinated operations with a speed ten times greater than traditional methods and an accuracy rate exceeding 99%. This innovation marks a significant advancement in drilling technology, potentially transforming various industrial applications. The introduction of this robot is crucial as it addresses the limitations of conventional drilling techniques, which often suffer from slower speeds and lower precision. By enhancing operational efficiency, this technology could lead to cost savings and improved outcomes in sectors that rely on drilling processes. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders should monitor the deployment and performance of this drilling robot in real-world scenarios. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
IROS 2026 Best Paper Finalists: South Korea Leads
Ten papers made the IROS 2026 Best Paper and Best Student Paper shortlist, four from South Korea. What each one does and what it means for industry.
Harmonic Drive to Present on Integrated Actuators at RoboBusiness 2026
At RoboBusiness 2026, Marcel Almonte from Harmonic Drive will lead a session on integrated drive actuator design. Scheduled for October 20 at 10:30 a.m. PT in Santa Clara, California, the session will explore the benefits of integrated actuators in reducing engineering complexity and enhancing system performance. This presentation is significant as it addresses the critical decision-making process in selecting motion architectures for robotics. Attendees will learn how integrated actuators can streamline system integration, reduce cabling complexity, and accelerate time-to-market, ultimately leading to more efficient robotic designs. Participants should watch for practical insights on selecting motion solutions tailored to specific application requirements and constraints. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Actuators / Motors / Servos Events Motion Control News Robot Components Technologies
Elmo Motion Control Introduces Innovative Titanium and Platinum Servo Solutions
Elmo Motion Control has unveiled its latest innovations, the Titanium multi-axis motion controller family and the Platinum servo drive series. These products integrate multi-axis control, high computing power, and functional safety into a compact design, enabling machine builders to enhance performance while minimizing component complexity. This development is significant as it addresses the growing demands in sectors like semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, and defense, where traditional machine designs often rely on multiple controllers and external safety systems. Elmo's integrated approach allows for smaller, faster, and safer machines, ultimately reducing the total cost of ownership for OEMs. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how these advancements can further streamline installation and commissioning processes, particularly with the introduction of Elmo’s Application Studio III (EASIII). No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
IEEE CASE 2027 Linz: Aug 23–27 | Automation Science
IEEE CASE 2027, the 23rd Conference on Automation Science and Engineering, runs Aug 23–27, 2027 in Linz, Austria. Chairs, deadline and scope.
Transforming Industrial Maintenance: The Role of Agentic and Physical AI in Repair Efficiency
The industrial sector has long relied on predictive maintenance to foresee equipment failures, but this approach often leads to administrative bottlenecks. Alerts generated by AI models trigger slow, manual processes that hinder timely repairs. To overcome these challenges, industries are shifting towards a model that incorporates agentic AI and physical AI, enabling autonomous orchestration of logistics and execution of repairs. Agentic AI allows for the autonomous management of maintenance tasks, optimizing scheduling and logistics without human intervention. This transition is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, as it transforms maintenance from a reactive process into a self-optimizing engine. For instance, in high-volume manufacturing, agentic AI can immediately address issues flagged by predictive models, significantly reducing downtime and improving return on investment. Looking ahead, the integration of agentic and physical AI is set to redefine maintenance operations. As organizations adopt these technologies, they must ensure safety through deterministic bounding to mitigate risks associated with autonomous decision-making. The future of industrial maintenance will likely see a seamless blend of AI-driven logistics and physical execution, paving the way for more efficient and effective repair processes.
Factory / Analytics
ROSCon Korea 2027: Feb 17–19 at DGIST, Daegu
ROSCon Korea 2027, Korea's official ROS developer conference, runs Feb 17–19, 2027 at DGIST in Daegu, after a sold-out 2026 debut.
Tuning the Brain Like a Radio: Synapse Symphony’s Plan to Treat Chronic Pain at Home
COO Vishal Jain on Synapse Symphony's DARPA-rooted wearable brain-stimulation headset for chronic pain, its FDA plans, and a second use: motor-health checks.
RobotToday Weekly September 21 – 25, 2026
Cognex buys RealSense, Qualcomm acquires PickNik, the IFR counts 5 million factory robots, AGIBOT deploys 300 robots at Chimelong, and Tekever raises $580 million.
Glacian: Physics Model Vets AI Data Center Cooling
Glacian Technologies pairs AI with a physics-based digital twin that rejects unsafe commands. CEO Jie Zhao on cutting data center cooling energy 15-30%.
Siemens on Robots, Agentic AI and the "Last 3%" Problem
Siemens tells RobotToday at IMTS 2026 why AI robot demos are only the tip of the iceberg, and why agentic AI depends on PLM data and business context.
Innovation Works Venture Expo 2026: 58 Pittsburgh Startups Pitch to Investors
58 health, deep tech and robotics startups pitched at Innovation Works Venture Expo 2026 in Pittsburgh. Full company list, program and 2025 funding data.
SimScale Engineering AI Moves Physics Simulation to the Exact Moment a Design Decision Gets Made, Inside Onshape
SimScale’s Engineering AI Agent runs CFD, thermal, EMag and FEA from one prompt inside PTC’s Onshape, starting from CAD that isn’t simulation-ready.
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 3 — The Players
Five vendor archetypes, MIR’s composite top ten, eight company profiles and six field deployments — every firm linked to the RobotToday supplier directory.
Recent Report Highlights Advancements in Physical AI and Robotics Integration
Recent developments in robotics have seen a significant integration of artificial intelligence, moving beyond deterministic programming to enable robots to perceive, comprehend, decide, and act autonomously. This evolution, termed physical AI, is poised to revolutionize automation across various sectors, including factories and warehouses. The implications of physical AI are vast, with commercial applications relying heavily on domain-specific data and tailored training approaches. Industry experts suggest that innovations in embodied AI, such as mobile manipulators and humanoids, could pave the way toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) and general-purpose robotics, addressing labor shortages and enhancing precision in diverse markets. Investment in physical AI has surged, with firms securing over $23 billion in venture capital in 2026 alone. Major funding rounds include Waymo’s $16 billion Series D and Skild AI’s $1.4 billion Series C. As expectations rise, particularly in North America, the demand for robots in hyperscale data centers is increasing, necessitating advancements in simulation, fleet orchestration, and reasoning capabilities.
Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence / Cognition eBooks Humanoids Industrial Robots News
Why deterministic real-time systems are more critical than ever in robotics
Winston Leung recently highlighted the significance of QNX in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence during a discussion centered on safety, innovation, and emerging industry trends. His insights underscore the increasing importance of deterministic real-time systems in robotics, particularly as the demand for reliable and efficient technology continues to grow. This conversation, featured in a post on The Robot Report, reflects the evolving landscape of robotics and the critical role that advanced operating systems play in ensuring both safety and performance in automated systems. As industries increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions, the need for robust and responsive systems like QNX becomes paramount to meet the challenges of modern robotics.
Artificial Intelligence Business Resources News Opinion Podcast Robots / Platforms
Software is ‘the biggest bottleneck to robotics innovation’, says BlackBerry QNX report
QNX, a division of BlackBerry, has unveiled its latest research study, the Inside the Robot: Architecture Benchmark Report, which explores the evolving landscape of robotics development. The report highlights the shift towards software-driven and AI-enabled systems that are increasingly integrated into workplaces and everyday life. Conducted through a survey of 1,000 developers globally, the research aims to shed light on the current trends and challenges faced in the robotics sector. This initiative reflects QNX's commitment to understanding and advancing the role of robotics in modern society, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between humans and machines. The findings are expected to inform future developments in the field and guide industry stakeholders in adapting to these transformative changes.
Features Robotics Software ai robotics automation news Autonomous robots
Software becoming the biggest bottleneck to physical AI innovation, finds QNX research
A recent survey conducted by QNX highlights the growing importance of software and security as robots increasingly operate in less controlled environments. The research indicates that these factors are becoming significant bottlenecks to the advancement of physical artificial intelligence (AI). As the robotics industry evolves, the need for robust software solutions and enhanced security measures is critical to facilitate innovation and ensure safe deployment in diverse settings. This shift underscores the challenges faced by developers and manufacturers as they strive to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their robotic systems.
Controllers Development Tools / SDKs / Libraries Healthcare Robotics Manufacturing Networking / Connectivity News
