BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo emphasized the company's transformation from a smartphone manufacturer to a player in the AI robotics sector during a recent interview. The QNX operating system, which underpins various automotive features, is now being positioned to support a range of physical AI applications, including robotics and medical instrumentation.
Giamatteo noted that BlackBerry's QNX royalty backlog has exceeded $1.2 billion, growing by over $250 million in just two quarters, driven by advancements in automotive computing, expanded software offerings, and rising demand for physical AI. The company's stock has seen a remarkable 142% increase in 2026, reflecting investor confidence in this strategic pivot.
Additionally, BlackBerry's partnership with Nvidia has solidified QNX as a preferred platform for Nvidia's Halos Safety Stack, opening new opportunities in automated mobile robots and other autonomous systems. This evolution marks a significant turnaround for BlackBerry, which once dominated the smartphone market but has since adapted to new technological landscapes