Overview
Qualcomm Technologies has announced an agreement to acquire Arduino, a popular open-source hardware and software platform used by over 33 million developers. The acquisition aims to accelerate access to Qualcomm’s cutting-edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Key Details
- Acquisition Highlights: The deal will allow Arduino to maintain its brand, mission, and tools while leveraging Qualcomm’s powerful processors and AI tools.
- Strategic Integration: Combining Arduino’s wide reach and open culture with Qualcomm’s processor and AI tool portfolio will expedite the transition of lab prototypes and products to market.
- Leadership Statements: Nakul Duggal, head of Qualcomm’s Automotive, Industrial & IoT Integrated Systems, emphasized the company’s commitment to democratizing access to computing and AI products.
- Arduino’s Perspective: Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, stated that the partnership will strengthen their commitment to accessibility and innovation.
- Co-founder’s Insight: Massimo Banzi, Arduino co-founder, highlighted that the collaboration will bring advanced AI tools to the community without deviating from Arduino’s core values.
Introducing the Arduino UNO Q
To showcase this new chapter, both companies unveiled the Arduino UNO Q, a dual-brain board combining a Linux Debian compatible microprocessor and a real-time microcontroller for high-performance computing and deterministic control.
- Arduino App Lab: An integrated development environment that unifies RTOS, Linux, Python, and AI workflows to create, test, and deploy applications more easily.
- Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210 Processor: Designed to enable AI-powered vision and audio solutions.
- Compatibility: The UNO Q maintains compatibility with the Arduino IDE and the family UNO shield ecosystem, encouraging projects to transition to advanced features while preserving familiarity.
UNO Q Features and Specifications
During a press conference, executives detailed that the UNO Q retains its classic form factor, incorporates Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, offers integrated eMMC storage, and adds high-speed connectors for direct access to the SoC subsystem and multimedia capabilities (MIPI cameras, displays, digital audio).
- Software: The board combines Linux with Arduino Core running on Zephyr, and will be launched with dozens of examples and pre-trained models for quick start-up.
- PC-less Mode: The board can be used in a PC-less mode by connecting a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, allowing developers to work directly “from the board.”
- Open-Source Publishing: Hardware schematics, the UNO Q software, and example projects will be published under open licenses to continue Arduino’s tradition.
Pricing and Availability
Two initial versions will be available: 2GB RAM/16GB eMMC and 4GB RAM/32GB eMMC. The first version can be ordered starting October 7 and will begin shipping on October 25; the second will arrive in November.
- Pricing: The entry version is expected to cost around 39 euros or 39 USD, while the premium version will be approximately 53 euros or 59 USD.
- Global Distribution: Distribution will be global, including Amazon channels and regular commercial partners.
What Changes with the Acquisition?
Qualcomm emphasizes that the goal is not to close Arduino’s ecosystem but rather to drive IoT and cutting-edge AI with increased computing power, connectivity, and a unified stack for the “new era of AI.”
- Continued Agnosticism: Arduino will remain silicon-agnostic, supporting existing and future partners and products while Qualcomm provides a clear roadmap of SoCs and AI capabilities for scaling from prototype to production.
- Community Empowerment: The acquisition aims to transform the Arduino community—from students and makers to startups and businesses—into an innovation engine with a more direct path to global industrialization and commercialization through Qualcomm’s ecosystem reach.
