OpenCxMS Technologies: Pioneering AI Robot Safety
In an unprecedented move,
OpenCxMS Technologies, Inc., a newly established Pennsylvania Public Benefit Corporation, has taken significant strides in the field of robotics safety by filing
15 provisional patent applications. This surge in innovation, completed in just
13 days, aims to set the first hardware safety standard for AI-controlled robots.
A New Era of Safety
The patent filings, completed between
February 4 and
February 17, 2026, encompass a remarkable
134 claims across three critical domains:
software governance,
hardware enforcement, and
supporting commercial infrastructure. Central to their initiative is the
Standardized Autonomous Safety Module (SASM), a revolutionary concept that integrates a dedicated safety processor between an AI system and the environment. This unique architecture ensures that the AI cannot override essential safety mechanisms, thereby enhancing the reliability of robotic operations in various sectors.
The Need for Hardware Solutions
Robert S. Briggs II, the sole inventor and founder of OpenCxMS, brings forward an important perspective on safety. He stated, "Every AI safety system I've encountered is essentially software monitoring other software. This setup resembles a guard dog reporting to a burglar. Our approach implements safety at the hardware level, beneath the software layer, creating a robust barrier that no AI can breach." Unlike traditional methods that often depend on software for monitoring, this development emphasizes overhauling existing paradigms to prioritize hardware solutions.
The Autonomous Robotics Market Potential
The potential for autonomous robotics is immense, with projections indicating that the industry could surpass
$60 billion by 2030. Each year, hundreds of thousands of industrial robots are deployed, and the market is on the brink of integrating humanoid robots into commercial services starting in
2026. Nevertheless, the stark reality is that no open, standardized safety procedure currently exists for hardware-enforced AI safety across various robotic platforms.
With the upcoming
EU AI Act, effective August 2, 2026, the regulatory landscape will require auditable decision-making records, transparent operational protocols, and effective human oversight for high-risk AI systems, including autonomous robots. Non-compliance with these regulations could result in penalties of up to
7% of global annual revenue.
Bridging the Safety Gap
Briggs further elucidates, "There are remarkable companies creating incredible robotics solutions. However, the critical missing component is the safety infrastructure that universally applies to all technologies. We are not in competition with these robotic innovators; instead, we aim to establish the essential safety framework they require to operate securely."
Standardizing Robot Safety
Much like Intel's introduction of the
ATX specification in 1995, which revolutionized the PC component ecosystem, the SASM specification is designed to standardize robot safety modules across various formats. These include a compact module for drones and more extensive units tailored for humanoid robots, each featuring a universal connector interface. This innovative design paves the way for any compliant brain to integrate seamlessly with any compliant robot body.
Key Features of the SASM:
- - Independent Safety Processor: Operates on its own power rail, completely separate from AI functions.
- - Rapid Hardware Power Gating: Can physically interrupt power to AI systems within 10 milliseconds without any possibility of software override.
- - Multi-Vendor AI Consensus: Requires agreement from up to nine different AI models before any physical action is taken, ensuring a collaborative safety measure.
- - Human-Readable Audit Trail: Maintains a detailed record of decisions in a plain-text format accessible to inspectors without specialized tools.
Comprehensive Patent Portfolio
The patent portfolio filed by OpenCxMS encompasses:
- - Nine software patents (72 claims) focused on safety interlocks, multi-vendor consensus, and decision verification.
- - Four hardware patents (33 claims) regarding the integrated brain system and standardized format.
- - Two infrastructure patents (29 claims) related to tokenized equity and value systems.
Briggs, who is the sole inventor across all filed applications, has been transparent about utilizing AI tools throughout the process of patent research, drafting, and organization. The AI assisted him in expediting documentation while ensuring compliance with safety requirements.
Commitment to Public Benefit
OpenCxMS Technologies operates under the framework of a
Public Benefit Corporation, which legally enforces the priority of safety in their charter. This organizational structure mitigates the potential conflict between profit motives and safety imperatives. "When the rush is to innovate, safety measures are often the first to sacrifice," explained Briggs. "Our PBC structure guarantees that our safety mission remains front and center, vital for developing reliable robotic technologies."
As the technological landscape evolves, OpenCxMS Technologies positions itself at the forefront of creating not only safer robotics but also enhancing public trust in their deployment across various sectors.
About OpenCxMS Technologies, Inc.
Founded in
January 2026, OpenCxMS Technologies, Inc. is committed to establishing open standards for AI safety in robotics. Their pioneering
Standardized Autonomous Safety Module (SASM) is a pioneering effort aimed at creating hardware-enforced safety standards backed by 15 provisional patent applications depicting their innovative vision. Those interested in learning more about OpenCxMS Technologies can visit their website at
opencxms.org.