FERNRIDE Selects QNX for Safety-Certified Autonomous Terminal Tractor Solution

Rhea-AI Summary

BlackBerry's (NYSE:BB) QNX division announced that FERNRIDE has selected its QNX OS for Safety to enhance their autonomous terminal tractor solution. The system is certified to ISO 26262 ASIL D and aims to help logistics customers address labor shortages and boost efficiencies.

FERNRIDE is working towards compliance with the European Machinery Directive and EU Declaration of Conformity in autonomous logistics. The company plans to remove safety drivers from autonomous terminal tractors' cabins to scale operations. The POSIX-compliant QNX OS enables faster development while maintaining safety standards.

The collaboration aims to transform container terminal operations, addressing challenges like labor shortages and 24/7 operation requirements. QNX's technology is already trusted by major OEMs and Tier 1s worldwide, including BMW, Bosch, Continental, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Positive

• QNX expands into growing autonomous logistics market
• Partnership with major logistics automation company FERNRIDE
• QNX OS already adopted by major automotive OEMs
• Accelerates customer development time with POSIX compliance

Negative

• None.

Powered by the QNX OS for Safety, FERNRIDE's new autonomous solution helps logistics customers tackle labor shortages and boost efficiencies

WATERLOO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 4, 2025 / QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) today announced its QNX® OS for Safety has been deployed by FERNRIDE, to enhance the reliability and security of its safety-critical autonomous terminal tractor solution.

A pioneer in scalable automation solutions for port and yard logistics, FERNRIDE is transforming operations in container terminals, where efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness are paramount. With the global demand for streamlined logistics on the rise, container terminals are adopting advanced technologies to address challenges such as labor shortages, tight delivery schedules and the need for 24/7 operations. In response, FERNRIDE has developed an autonomous terminal tractor solution, pioneering the path towards compliance with the European Machinery Directive (Directive 2006/42/EC) and EU Declaration of Conformity (CE Marking) in the field of autonomous logistics. With foundational embedded software from QNX, FERNRIDE has since been able to accelerate its development efforts, moving closer to these milestones.

"Safety is a non-negotiable priority at FERNRIDE," said John Hughes, Sr. Engineering Manager at FERNRIDE. "As a next milestone, we will remove the safety driver from the cabin of our autonomous terminal tractors to unlock the path to scaling with our customers. To do this, we need to authoritatively prove that the entire system is safe. Choosing a certified operating system means we are able to shorten the timeline for getting the entire technology stack for our solution certified. It is important for us to be mindful of our resources without compromising the quality of the outcome."

Safety Built in From the Ground Up

Certified to ISO 26262 ASIL D, QNX OS for Safety provides a robust foundation for developing and deploying advanced automotive solutions, while allowing customers to meet stringent EU safety compliance regulations. Using QNX OS for Safety meant FERNRIDE could meet the high standards of functional safety and focus their efforts on innovation, instead of certifying their operating system.

"We are proud to collaborate with FERNRIDE to deliver its cutting-edge autonomous solution, especially at a time when the logistics industry is urgently seeking ways to reduce costs while not compromising on meeting safety goals," said Grant Courville, SVP Products and Strategy at QNX. "By leveraging the capabilities of safety certified software and engineering services, FERNRIDE is helping to drive the future of autonomy and empowering their customers to achieve next-level efficiency and safety. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to working with companies at the forefront of innovation who prioritize safety, security, reliability, and performance."

Ease of Use Delivers Faster GTM

QNX OS for Safety is POSIX-compliant, making it easy for developers who are used to Linux to make the switch to QNX. For FERNRIDE, it meant their developers were up and running on QNX quickly, making it an ideal choice for developing their solution that included both a safety component based on QNX and a non-safety component based on Linux. They were able to meet their deadlines efficiently, with the confidence that their critical system maintained the highest safety standards, accelerating their time to market.

QNX powers critical applications across various embedded industries and is trusted as the software foundation by most leading OEMs and Tier 1s worldwide, including BMW, Bosch, Continental, Dongfeng Motor, Geely, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and more. By championing innovation and safety, QNX continues to drive the future of embedded technology, ensuring seamless integration and high performance in mission-critical environments.

For more information on QNX, visit QNX.com and follow @QNX News.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) provides enterprises and governments the intelligent software and services that power the world around us. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company's high-performance foundational software enables major automakers and industrial giants alike to unlock transformative applications, drive new revenue streams and launch innovative business models, all without sacrificing safety, security, and reliability. With a deep heritage in Secure Communications, BlackBerry delivers operational resiliency with a comprehensive, highly secure, and extensively certified portfolio for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications, and critical events management.

About QNX

QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB), enhances the human experience and amplifies technology-driven industries, providing a trusted foundation for software-defined businesses to thrive. The business leads the way in delivering safe and secure operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools, along with support and services delivered by trusted embedded software experts. QNX® technology has been deployed in the world's most critical embedded systems, including more than 255 million vehicles on the road today. QNX® software is trusted across industries including automotive, medical devices, industrial controls, robotics, commercial vehicles, rail, and aerospace and defense. Founded in 1980, QNX is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Learn more at qnx.com.

©2025 BlackBerry Limited. Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, QNX and the QNX logo design are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

About FERNRIDE

FERNRIDE offers scalable automation solutions for yard trucking that increase productivity, promote sustainability, and improve worker safety. The company employs a human-assisted autonomy approach, which allows for remote takeovers of trucks when necessary. This ensures seamless integration and reliable operations for logistics operators. With more than a decade of research and high-profile customers, including Volkswagen, HHLA and DB Schenker, FERNRIDE uses advanced technology to address major industry challenges, such as driver shortages and the negative environmental impact of logistics operations. The company was founded by Hendrik Kramer, Maximilian Fisser, and Jean-Michael Georg, and currently has over 150 employees. www.fernride.com

Media Contacts:

BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@BlackBerry.com

SOURCE: QNX

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What impact will FERNRIDE's autonomous solution have on BB's market position in logistics?

The partnership strengthens BB's QNX position in autonomous logistics, particularly in container terminals, expanding its presence in safety-critical applications.

How does FERNRIDE's implementation of BB's QNX OS address container terminal challenges?

QNX OS enables autonomous terminal tractors to operate 24/7, helping address labor shortages and tight delivery schedules while maintaining safety standards.

What certification standards does BB's QNX OS meet for FERNRIDE's autonomous solution?

QNX OS is certified to ISO 26262 ASIL D and helps meet European Machinery Directive and EU Declaration of Conformity requirements.

When will FERNRIDE remove safety drivers from autonomous tractors using BB's QNX OS?

While specific timing isn't mentioned, removing safety drivers is the next milestone in FERNRIDE's development roadmap using QNX OS.