BlackBerry Bets on AI Robots

BlackBerry, once known for its smartphones with keyboards is now heading in a completely different direction. The Canadian technology company, which used to be a player, in the mobile phone industry is now putting more effort into artificial intelligence-powered robots and what it calls "physical AI.”

The company has undergone a major transformation over the years, moving away from consumer smartphones and building a business around embedded software. Under CEO John Giamatteo, BlackBerry is now looking beyond its established automotive business, with robotics emerging as an important growth opportunity, according to a CNBC report.

From smartphones to robots

At the heart of BlackBerry’s current business is its QNX operating system. The software is widely used in vehicles, supporting everything from electronic braking systems to semi-autonomous driving technologies. QNX is currently installed in more than 275 million vehicles worldwide.

However, BlackBerry believes the technology has applications far beyond automobiles.

“While the products we sell today can’t be held in the palm of your hand, they’re pervasive around you. 275 million cars, robots, governments, medical instrumentation, supply chain. That’s the new BlackBerry, and that’s what’s driving all of our growth,” Giamatteo told CNBC.

The company is very interested in " AI," which is different from generative AI systems that are made to create text, images or videos. Physical AI helps machines to know what is, around them to move through places and to handle objects in a safe way.

Giamatteo said robotics has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing areas within the QNX business. BlackBerry is also using its long experience with automotive safety standards to market QNX as reliable software for machines where safety and consistent performance are critical.

Backlog crosses $1.2 billion

The robotics push comes as BlackBerry reports stronger business momentum. Its QNX royalty backlog has crossed $1.2 billion, increasing by more than $250 million over two quarters, according to the report.

Giamatteo linked the growth to automakers adopting centralised computing systems, a broader enterprise software portfolio and rising interest in physical AI applications.

BlackBerry's stock has surged 142 per cent just in 2026, a dramatic turnaround for a company many had considered finished following the rise of touchscreen smartphones such as Apple's iPhone.

Nvidia partnership boosts robotics push

BlackBerry's robotics strategy is also receiving support from its relationship with Nvidia. The partnership initially focused on automotive applications but has expanded into industrial automation.

Giamatteo confirmed that Nvidia has “standardised on QNX as the platform of choice” for its Halos Safety Stack.

“That has opened up so many doors, an incredible pipeline of opportunity,” Giamatteo said.

The CEO said the partnership is helping expand QNX adoption across autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic forklifts and automated warehouse sleds that transport palletised cargo to loading docks.

For a brand once defined by phones and keyboards, BlackBerry's latest chapter is increasingly being written by software, robots and AI.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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