GoKawiilBlackBerry CEO cites AI robotics as new growth driver for QNX unit
BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo told CNBC's Jim Cramer that robotics and physical AI are emerging growth areas for the company's QNX software platform, which already runs in over 275 million vehicles worldwide. He said QNX's royalty backlog has surpassed $1.2 billion, up more than $250 million over two quarters, driven by automaker upgrades, expanded software offerings, and demand for physical AI applications.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
BlackBerry's pivot from smartphones to embedded automotive and industrial software has already reshaped its business, and its push into physical AI could position QNX as critical infrastructure for robots and machinery much as it became for vehicle safety systems. The 142% stock surge in 2026 suggests investors are betting on this diversification, though the long-term scale of robotics revenue relative to its automotive base remains to be seen.
- BlackBerry's QNX operating system is now embedded in more than 275 million vehicles globally.
- QNX's royalty backlog exceeds $1.2 billion, growing by over $250 million in two quarters.
- BlackBerry shares have risen 142% in 2026 amid its shift toward automotive and physical AI software.
Source: cnbc.com — Alexa Lomonaco, 2026-10-26
Published there as: “BlackBerry reinvented: CEO sees big opportunities AI-powered robots”
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