Why Deterministic Real-Time Systems Are More Critical Than Ever in Robotics
The intersection of physical AI and functional safety takes center stage in robotics with insights from Winston Leung of QNX.

In the rapidly evolving world of robotics, the importance of deterministic real-time systems cannot be overstated. This concept took center stage in a recent episode of The Robot Report Podcast, where Winston Leung, senior strategic alliances manager at QNX, shared his expertise on the critical role these systems play in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of robots in human environments. Leung, a seasoned innovation strategist with over a decade of experience across North America and Asia, has led initiatives in autonomous vehicles, developed policies to support their adoption, and spearheaded Canada's first connected vehicle testbed.
His work has also extended to guiding go-to-market strategies for transformative technologies like quantum and 5G. In the podcast, Leung delved into the intersection of physical AI and functional safety with BlackBerry QNX, highlighting how the company's innovative, deterministic microkernel architecture provides the real-time control and robust cybersecurity necessary for robots to safely navigate human environments. He also discussed key partnerships with industry giants such as NVIDIA and Intel, which are optimizing operating systems for high-performance computing.
These partnerships aim to ensure that the next generation of autonomous systems is both secure and reliable. Drawing on his extensive experience, Leung provided valuable insights into the future of robotics, bridging deep technical expertise with business strategy. QNX recently debuted its 'Inside the Robot: Architecture Benchmark Report' at the Robotics Summit & Expo, further underscoring the company's commitment to advancing the field of robotics.
The episode of The Robot Report Podcast is sponsored by GreyOrange, which offers an AI-powered warehouse orchestration platform designed to enhance productivity and efficiency in warehouse settings.
Source: The Robot Report