QNX Research Finds Software Is Biggest Bottleneck to Robotics Innovation as Physical AI Accelerates

Why It Matters

The findings highlight a critical shift: robotics innovation will be driven more by software excellence than hardware advances, making software platforms a strategic priority for manufacturers and investors.

Key Takeaways

• Software architecture hinders 27% of robotics developers.
• 85% expect software role to increase in 3‑5 years.
• 91% run safety‑critical workloads on general‑purpose OS.
• 86% of GPOS users consider switching to safety‑certified OS.

Pulse Analysis

Robotics is entering a new era where software, not silicon, dictates the pace of innovation. QNX’s benchmark reveals that developers increasingly view software architecture and integration as the primary obstacle, with 27% citing it as the biggest bottleneck. This mirrors broader industry trends: AI‑enabled autonomy and heightened human‑robot interaction demand predictable, secure, and real‑time capable code. Companies that invest in robust, safety‑certified operating systems and modular software stacks will gain a competitive edge as hardware improvements plateau.

The survey underscores a paradox: despite the critical need for deterministic execution, 91% of teams still run safety‑critical workloads on general‑purpose operating systems. This reliance stems from legacy tools and perceived flexibility, yet it introduces certification delays and functional‑safety risks. The data shows a growing willingness to change—86% of those using GPOS are open to adopting safety‑certified platforms. Vendors that can offer seamless migration paths and certify their OS for mixed‑criticality applications stand to capture significant market share.

Looking ahead, software investment priorities are clear. Over half of developers plan to allocate resources to AI‑driven decision‑making and cybersecurity, while 37% focus on operating systems and real‑time control. As robots move from controlled factories to streets, hospitals, and shops, deterministic, real‑time performance becomes non‑negotiable. Stakeholders—from OEMs to investors—must treat software architecture as a strategic asset, ensuring that the underlying codebase can scale safely and reliably in increasingly complex, human‑centric environments.