Observed Signal · Aug 28, 2026 · Interview · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
BlackBerry Shifts From Phones to Cars and Robotics
BlackBerry, once a leading smartphone maker, has reinvented itself as a provider of security software and automotive embedded systems. CEO John Giamatteo told CNBC that BlackBerry now focuses on secure communications (including encrypted products sold to governments) and QNX, its embedded operating system for cars, which the company says is embedded in 275 million vehicles. BlackBerry is positioning QNX and its safety-first approach as a play for "physical AI" applications such as autonomous vehicles and industrial or medical robotics. The company reports a QNX backlog of $950 million, with a portion attributed to robotics, and its share price has doubled this year amid investor support for the strategy.
BlackBerry’s repositioning toward safety-critical automotive software and robotics (QNX embedded in 275M vehicles; $950M backlog) is notable within AI and embedded systems infrastructure but does not materially shift the broader AdTech/MarTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- BlackBerry’s QNX embedded software is embedded in 275 million vehicles, according to BlackBerry.
- BlackBerry has a backlog of QNX orders worth $950 million, with a portion attributed to robotics.
- BlackBerry sells encrypted and secure communications products to customers such as governments.
- BlackBerry’s share price has doubled in the year cited as investors reward its focus on critical software for cars and secure communications.
- John Giamatteo, CEO of BlackBerry, was interviewed on CNBC’s "The Tech Download" about the company’s AI and robotics positioning.
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
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BlackBerry: Robotics Is a Fastest-Growing QNX Business
BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo told CNBC that robotics is one of the fastest-growing segments within the company’s QNX software portfolio and that QNX is positioned to support growth in "physical AI." BlackBerry said QNX is embedded in 275 million vehicles and has a roughly $950 million royalty backlog, with a portion of that backlog coming from robotics. The CEO highlighted robotics use cases in industrial warehouses, robotic forklifts and medical devices rather than humanoid consumer robots. The company also announced an expanded partnership with Nvidia in April to deploy BlackBerry software alongside Nvidia systems for robotics, medical technologies and industrial applications.
Qualcomm Eyes Robotics Boom in Next Two Years
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said robotics will become a “larger opportunity” for the chipmaker within the next two years, as the company expands beyond smartphones. In January, Qualcomm introduced a robotics processor under the Dragonwing brand aimed at supporting multiple robotics platforms. Amon attributed increased momentum in robotics to advances in AI models that enable robots to better perceive and act in the physical world. The article cites market estimates: McKinsey projects general-purpose robots could reach $370 billion by 2040, and RBC Capital Markets forecasts a $9 trillion total addressable market for humanoid robots by 2050. The piece also notes industry interest from other chipmakers, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang identifying robotics as a potential growth area, and mentions robotics displays and a teased humanoid from Honor at Mobile World Congress.
Chinese Automakers Follow Tesla into Humanoid Robots
Chinese automakers are increasingly investing in humanoid robots, following the example set by Tesla and advances in AI. Xpeng’s robotics unit raised more than $900 million at a post-money valuation above $6.3 billion in a round led by IDG Capital with participation from Gaorong Ventures, Tencent, and Alibaba. Other automakers and suppliers — including BYD, Chery’s robotics unit AiMOGA, Changan, GAC, Li Auto, SAIC, Seres, Hyundai (via Boston Dynamics), Mobileye, and Rivian — are developing or acquiring humanoid robotics capabilities. Industry observers note automakers’ manufacturing strengths but question whether they can catch up on AI. The article cites planned IPO preparations, acquisitions, factory deployments, and company investments that signal a broader bet that robots could become a more profitable business than vehicles for some automakers.
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