BlackBerry Launches New Software for Driverless Cars

BlackBerry Ltd. unveiled new software to help improve the safety and operation of driverless cars at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Canada-based BlackBerry joined a host of other companies using the trade show to signal a deepening commitment to autonomous cars.

The move also reflected BlackBerry's bet that demand for mobile security and services will grow as the use of wireless networks expands beyond smartphones and laptopsto include connecting a range of consumer and industrial products.

BlackBerry, which has been staking its future on higher-margin mobile-management software after big stumbles in its hardware business, aims to generate revenue of $500 million from software and related services in its current fiscal year, which ends Feb. 29. The company said it plans to launch its autonomous-driving technology in the second quarter of calendar 2016. However, sales related to these new offerings are unlikely to make an impact on the company's top line in the near future, given that the sector is in its infancy.

Some auto industry executives predict driverless cars will be on the road within five years.

In support of that view, California last month unveiled preliminary regulations for operating driverless cars in the state, a necessary step before the vehicles could be sold to consumers.

Autonomous cars rely on a complex system of software and sensors to avoid hitting other vehicles, to read traffic signals, and to assess road conditions.

On Wednesday, BlackBerry introduced so-called vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology, which will allow cars to communicate with each other to prevent collisions and improve traffic flow, according to a company news release. It also unveiled software that will combine data from cameras, radar and other sources to enable autonomous cars to make braking, steering and other control decisions.

The new technology is powered by BlackBerry's QNX operating system, which up until now has been best known for running in-car infotainment systems. BlackBerry says more than 40 auto makers use QNX software, and it is betting that installed customer base will help it win new business for its self-driving car offerings.

"QNX has the unique advantage of being a leader in automotive [operating system] software," John Wall, head of QNX software systems, said in the release.

Write to Ben Dummett at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 06, 2016 20:15 ET (01:15 GMT)

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