Test out Arduino's Uno Q - The new Single-Board Computer!

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In this RoadTest, testers will explore the Arduino Uno Q, a single-board computer that "unlocks a new level of performance for the Arduino ecosystem". This hardware uses Qualcomm's DragonwingTm QRB2210 MPU running a full Debian Linux operating system, and the real-time responsiveness of a dedicated STM32u585 MCU running Arduino sketches over Zephyr OS, all on one board.

Arduino Uno QArduino Uno Q

What’s the UNO Q?

  • UNO Q is a hybrid single-board computer + microcontroller platform. It combines a powerful application processor (Qualcomm DragonwingTm QRB2210) running a full Debian Linux OS with a real-time micro-controller (STM32U585, Arm Cortex-M33) running Arduino-style code under Zephyr OS. 

  • The board retains an UNO-form factor and includes both classic UNO headers and additional high-speed connectors, making it compatible with standard shields and also able to support cameras (MIPI-CSI), displays (MIPI-DSI or USB-C video), audio I/O, and more. 

  • Onboard memory/storage options: either 2 GB LPDDR4 + 16 GB eMMC, or a 4 GB + 32 GB variant. For this RoadTest we intend to provide the 4GB + 32GB variant.

  • Connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1.

Why This May Be Interesting To You

  • Hybrid architecture: Real-time + high-level computing. Run Linux applications (Python, AI, web stack, etc.) on the MPU while using the MCU for deterministic real-time I/O, sensors, motors, or actuators.

  • Edge AI, multimedia, vision & IoT ready. GPU, ISP(s), camera/display/audio interfaces, plus Wi-Fi/Bluetooth — great for vision, voice, AI-powered embedded systems, smart home, robotics, etc.

  • Shield and ecosystem compatibility. Classic UNO headers let you reuse existing shields. Additional high-speed connectors and Qwiic support make sensor/module expansion easy.

  • Storage & memory for heavier workloads. On-board eMMC and LPDDR4 mean you can run more complex software stacks, store data locally, or do machine-learning inference without external modules.

  • Unified development workflow. Use the classic Arduino IDE (for MCU sketches), or leverage the new Arduino App Lab — combining Linux apps, Arduino sketches, Python, and AI models in a single environment

Key Specifications

Parameter / Feature Details
Application Processor (MPU) Qualcomm DragonwingTm QRB2210 — 4× Arm Cortex-A53 @ 2.0 GHz, Adreno GPU, dual ISPs (13 MP + 13 MP or 25 MP) 
Real-time MCU STM32U585 (Arm Cortex-M33 up to 160 MHz), running Arduino Core on Zephyr OS 
RAM / Storage Options 2 GB LPDDR4 + 16 GB eMMC, or 4 GB + 32 GB variant 
Wireless Connectivity Wi-Fi 5 (2.4 / 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.1 
USB / I/O Ports USB-C (power / device / host / video), classic UNO headers, high-speed carriers (MIPI-CSI, MIPI-DSI, audio, etc.), Qwiic connector 
Expansion & Peripherals Camera, display, audio via high-speed connectors; shields via UNO headers; sensors/modules via Qwiic 
Operating Systems Debian-based Linux (on MPU) + Arduino Core on Zephyr OS (on MCU) 
Board Form Factor / Size Standard UNO form factor (≈ 68.85 × 53.34 mm) 
Power Input USB-C (5 V up to 3 A) or VIN 7–24 V (per official specs) 

Supporting Links

- Official Arduino Documentation on Arduino Uno Q

- Arduino Uno Q Datasheet

Possible Applications

Here are some project types or scenarios where UNO Q could shine — and which would make attractive RoadTests:

  • Edge-AI vision systems: Use MIPI-CSI cameras + the MPU’s GPU and ISP + Linux-based ML frameworks, e.g. object detection, surveillance, smart cameras.

  • Robotics with high-level control + real-time motor/sensor I/O: Let the MCU handle the real-time signals (motors, servos, sensors), while the MPU runs high-level planning, vision, or network connectivity.

  • Smart home / IoT hubs: Combine Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, sensors (I²C / Qwiic), cameras/displays, local storage, ideal for gateways, smart appliances, local data logging or automation systems.

  • Multimedia or kiosk applications: Use USB-C video output, audio I/O, and Linux-capable software to build media players, interactive kiosks, control panels, or small-form-factor PCs.

  • Hybrid projects blending high-level tasks and embedded I/O: Data logging + real-time data acquisition + Linux-based analysis; sensor fusion + local ML + actuator control; AI-enabled embedded devices.

What You’d Need to Try It

To fully explore the capabilities of UNO Q in a RoadTest, you might want to have / plan for:

  • A USB-C cable & power supply (capable of delivering 5 V / ~3 A) or suitable VIN power source

  • Optional display (via USB-C video output or MIPI-DSI carrier) and input devices (keyboard, mouse) if testing Linux desktop-like usage

  • Camera modules (MIPI-CSI or USB-camera) if testing vision or multimedia functionality

  • Sensors or modules for I²C / Qwiic, or other I/O (GPIO, ADC, etc.) to test MCU side real-time capabilities

  • Sample peripherals, audio devices, external storage (USB), SPI/I²C sensors, shields, to test expansion, compatibility, and real-world integration

  • Software tools: Arduino IDE (for MCU sketches), or Arduino App Lab / Linux development environment for MPU workflows

Your Potential Tasks and Instructions

What you could choose to do as a part of your RoadTest application to explore UNO Q:

  • Boot & setup: First power-up, confirm Linux boots, check MCU side works, test connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), ensure board is stable under load.

  • Hybrid application test: Write a test project that uses Linux for data processing/storage (e.g. image capture + ML inference + saving), while MCU manages real-time sensor reading or actuator control, document the workflow, performance, CPU/memory usage, latencies, and any integration challenges.

  • Peripheral & expansion test: Connect camera or display, test audio I/O, Qwiic sensors/modules, UNO shields, verify compatibility and performance across different use cases.

  • Networking & edge-IoT test: Set up a networked service (e.g. MQTT, HTTP server), gather sensor data, push to cloud or local storage, test reliability of Wi-Fi and system resources under sustained workloads.

  • Real-world use case demo: Build a small but practical project , e.g. a smart camera + sensor hub, a robot with vision, a data logger with local processing, and document steps, code, performance, and user-experience (setup, ease of use, limitations).

  • Development workflow evaluation: Use both Linux side (App Lab / Python / shell) and MCU side (Arduino IDE) — note ease of switching between environments, tool-chain stability, resource constraints, documentation, and perceived developer experience.

When Applying

When the RoadTest is open, tell us:

  1. Your background and experience (especially with Linux, embedded systems, Arduino, or SBCs).

  2. What kind of project or test you plan to build — and why UNO Q is appropriate.

  3. Which aspects you want to evaluate: raw performance, integration complexity (sensors/peripherals), hybrid MCU/MPU workflows, expansion flexibility, power consumption, networking reliability, user-experience, etc.

Important Dates

  • Begin enrolment: 22nd of December 2025

  • End enrolment: 25th January 2026

  • RoadTester selection: Within 2 weeks after enrolment ends

  • Kit shipment: Within 2 weeks after RoadTester selection subject to compliance checks.

  • Start of RoadTesting: On receipt of kit

  • Review deadline: 2 to 3 months after kit receipt

Terms and Conditions

Are you interested?

About the Sponsor

Arduino is a company that develops open-source hardware and software designed to make embedded electronics accessible for engineers, educators, and makers, offering a wide range of microcontroller boards, development tools, and a global ecosystem that supports rapid prototyping and product development. For more information click here.

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