# BlackBerry’s QNX backlog hits $1.2B as CEO bets on physical AI

Digest AI · Robotics & Physical AI · published 2026-10-26T22:34:19Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/blackberrys-qnx-backlog-hits-1-2b-as-ceo-bets-on-physical-ai

## Summary

BlackBerry’s CEO, John Giamatteo, highlighted the company’s shift toward physical AI and robotics, positioning its QNX operating system as a key enabler for real-world machine interactions. QNX, already embedded in over 275 million vehicles globally, now powers applications in robotics, medical devices, and supply chain automation. The company reported a $1.2 billion backlog for QNX royalties, a $250 million increase over two quarters, driven by demand for advanced computing in vehicles and emerging physical AI use cases like automated mobile robots (AMRs) and autonomous forklifts.

BlackBerry’s stock has surged 142% in 2026, recovering from its decline after the smartphone era. The company’s partnership with Nvidia, which standardized QNX for its Halos Safety Stack, has opened new opportunities in industrial robotics. Giamatteo emphasized that while BlackBerry’s products are no longer handheld devices, they remain foundational in critical infrastructure, from automotive systems to government and medical equipment.

## Key points

- BlackBerry’s QNX backlog reached $1.2B, up $250M over two quarters
- QNX powers 275M vehicles and expanding into robotics, medical, and supply chain sectors
- Nvidia partnership standardized QNX for Halos Safety Stack, enabling AMRs and autonomous forklifts

## Why it matters

BlackBerry’s pivot to physical AI and robotics software could reshape industrial automation, leveraging its automotive expertise to compete in a growing $1.2B backlog market.

## Sources

1. [BlackBerry reinvented: CEO sees big opportunities AI-powered robots](https://cnbc.com/2026/10/26/blackberry-qnx-physical-ai-robots.html) (CNBC Technology, 2026-10-26)

## Cite

Digest AI, "BlackBerry’s QNX backlog hits $1.2B as CEO bets on physical AI", 26 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/blackberrys-qnx-backlog-hits-1-2b-as-ceo-bets-on-physical-ai

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