Robotics Developers Focus on AI Software to Address Performance, Study Finds
A QNX study of 1,000 global robotics developers found 89% prioritize AI integration and 95% demand deterministic, real-time behavior, while 91% still rely on general-purpose operating systems despite their limitations. Regulatory delays—especially in the UK and Germany—are slowing projects, but 85% expect software to dominate robotics innovation in the next five years, with AI-driven decision-making and cybersecurity leading investments.
A new report from QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, reveals robotics developers are shifting focus toward AI-driven software to tackle performance, security, and scalability challenges. Based on a survey of 1,000 developers worldwide, the *Inside the Robot: Architecture Benchmark Report* highlights that 89% consider physical AI critical to future plans, while 95% emphasize the need for deterministic, real-time behavior in their systems. Despite rising demands for safety and reliability, 91% of developers still use general-purpose operating systems (GPOS) for real-time or safety-critical workloads, though 86% acknowledge these systems may not be ideal. Software architecture and integration now rank as the top performance bottleneck (27%), surpassing hardware limitations (16%). QNX notes that future progress depends on building predictable, secure systems capable of handling mixed criticality levels, especially as robots expand into dynamic environments like city streets and factory floors. The study also found that 83% of robotics systems are already deployed alongside humans, with 67% of remaining teams expecting human collaboration within three to five years. This shift drives higher expectations for reliability, safety, and predictable behavior, reinforcing the industry’s reliance on software foundations. However, regulatory hurdles—particularly certification delays—are causing project setbacks, affecting 66% of respondents globally, with rates reaching 70% in the UK and Germany. Cybersecurity (51%) and functional safety standards (49%) are the most challenging compliance areas, while 85% of developers anticipate software’s role in robotics will grow even more critical in the coming years. Investments in AI-driven decision-making and cybersecurity lead at 51%, followed by operating systems and real-time control software at 37%. Despite these challenges, the industry remains optimistic, with physical AI firmly integrated into long-term development roadmaps.
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