Qualcomm announced the acquisition of Arduino, the historic leader in open-source hardware and software. The transaction, announced by both companies, is part of the American manufacturer's commitment to bringing computing and artificial intelligence to the edge of the network.
According to what they have indicated, the agreement has been presented without revealing the amount and is subject to regulatory review. Both parties emphasize that Arduino will retain its identity, community, and tools, while benefiting from Qualcomm's technology portfolio.
Arduino, from Ivrea to the world
Born in 2005 in Ivrea, Arduino was driven by Massimo Banzi, Tom Igoe, David Mellis and David Cuartielles with a simple idea: that anyone could prototype interactive electronics without being an engineer. With boards like Arduino Uno and a global community, the movement maker gained momentum and the platform moved from garages to classrooms and into industry.
Qualcomm's strategic bet
The purchase fits with the strategy of integrating hardware, software and cloud services following recent operations such as Foundries.ioThe stated objective is democratize Access to computing and AI for developers of all levels, combining Arduino's open ecosystem with Qualcomm's capabilities in processing, graphics, computer vision, and connectivity.
Both companies have confirmed that Support for multi-vendor chips will be maintained, preserving the open approach and interoperability that have made the platform popular.
A huge and growing community, now powered by Qualcomm
Arduino ensures a base of more than 33 million users and an adoption that continues to rise. In the last 12 months, there have been almost 37 million downloads of the development kit, an indicator of the vitality of the ecosystem and its attractiveness to education, professionals and businesses.
First fruit of the union: Arduino UNO Q
The first news after the announcement is the ONE Q, a board with a "dual-brain" architecture that combines a microprocessor capable of running Debian Linux with a real-time microcontroller. The heart of the system is the Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210, prepared to run AI models locally and work in parallel with an STM32 U5 MCU.
Its technical capabilities include a CPU quad-core Cortex-A53 up to 2,0 GHz, Adreno 702 GPU, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C, built-in storage and compatibility with Shields Arduino. The board can operate autonomously as a minicomputer or integrated into real-time control projects.
- Hybrid architecture: Debian Linux + Real-Time MCU (Zephyr) to combine advanced computing and deterministic control.
- Local execution of models: Local execution of models for vision, sound, or anomaly detection without relying on the cloud.
- Connectivity and expansion: Wi‑Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, USB‑C, and compatibility with accessories and sensors from the Arduino ecosystem.
The UNO Q will arrive in two configurations: 2GB of RAM with 16GB of storage and another 4GB with 32GB. Prices start at 39 Euros for the first model and 53 Euros For the second, with staggered availability—orders open at the beginning of October and shipments expected by the end of the month, depending on the market.
In practice, a robot, a camera or a predictive maintenance system will be able to "think" with local AI and react to the environment in real time, reducing latency and dependence on connectivity.
New environment: Arduino App Lab
To simplify the complete cycle, it has been presented AppLab, an environment that unifies development from testing to deployment. It allows you to work with Python, Linux, and real-time systems, integrating AI workflows from a single interface.
App Lab includes integration with Edge Impulse to create and deploy models with real-world data, as well as tools designed to bridge the gap between typical robotics code and complex AI systems.
Governance and continuity of the open model that Q will maintainualcomm
Qualcomm and Arduino emphasize that the community will remain the focus: brand, tools and mission will remain independent, and compatibility with microcontrollers and microprocessors from different manufacturers will be maintained. The agreement is pending regulatory approval and the financial terms have not been detailed.
Expected impact on the ecosystem
With Qualcomm's reinforcement, the Arduino ecosystem can accelerate the transition from prototype to product, facilitating edge computing with AI in sectors such as home automation, industry, education, and mobility. The combination of affordable hardware, open software, and cloud services leads to faster iterations and lower entry costs.
By preserving Arduino's open DNA while integrating Qualcomm's technology, The operation could mark a turning point: More AI capabilities available to students and professionals, new workflows with App Lab, and a roadmap of products—like UNO Q—designed to bring intelligent computing directly to the device.
