Qualcomm Acquires Arduino in Major IoT Play
▼ Summary
– Qualcomm is acquiring Arduino, the open-source electronics platform, for an undisclosed amount while keeping its brand and mission independent.
– Arduino will continue to build microcontrollers and microprocessors using chips from multiple manufacturers despite the acquisition.
– Arduino has released the Uno Q, a new board with Qualcomm’s processor that runs Linux Debian and supports lightweight AI models for real-time applications.
– The Uno Q includes Arduino’s App Lab for development and is available for pre-order at $44, aiming to make AI tools accessible to everyone.
– The acquisition will allow Arduino’s 33 million community members to access Qualcomm’s technologies, fostering faster and more efficient intelligent solution development.
In a significant move to strengthen its position within the Internet of Things sector, Qualcomm has officially acquired Arduino, the renowned Italian creator of open-source electronics platforms. This strategic acquisition aims to merge Arduino’s extensive community and accessible hardware with Qualcomm’s advanced semiconductor technology, though the financial terms remain confidential. Importantly, Arduino will continue operating independently, preserving its brand identity, development tools, and foundational mission while producing microcontrollers and microprocessors that incorporate chips from various manufacturers.
Coinciding with the acquisition announcement, Arduino introduced the Uno Q, a new board resembling the Raspberry Pi. This device integrates Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QRB2210 processor alongside a real-time microcontroller. It supports Linux Debian and facilitates connections for keyboards, mice, and displays through a USB-C dongle. A notable feature is its ability to run lightweight AI models, enabling real-time environmental responses through AI-driven vision and audio applications.
The Uno Q includes Arduino’s freshly launched App Lab right out of the box. Described as a comprehensive development environment, App Lab allows users to handle Arduino Sketches, Python scripts, and AI models seamlessly. Priced at $44, the board is now open for pre-orders.
Arduino CEO Fabio Violante expressed enthusiasm about the new direction, stating that the Uno Q represents only the initial step. He emphasized the goal of equipping their worldwide community with robust tools that simplify AI development, making it intuitive, scalable, and universally accessible.
Qualcomm highlighted that this partnership will open doors for Arduino’s vast community of over 33 million users to leverage Qualcomm’s technological innovations. Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm’s Group General Manager for Automotive, Industrial, and Embedded IoT, noted that blending Arduino’s open-source philosophy with Qualcomm’s cutting-edge products will accelerate the creation of intelligent solutions. He also pointed to a clear pathway for global commercialization by tapping into the extensive reach of their combined ecosystem.
(Source: The Verge)
