Qualcomm Acquires Arduino

Qualcomm has acquired Arduino, which will operate under its brand. (Image Credit: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm has recently announced it acquired Arduino, the Italian firm that manufactures open-source hardware and software for prototypes of robots and electronics. Qualcomm is a key distributor for mobile phone chips. The company has also focused on expanding its edge computing space. This includes wireless earphones, laptops, industrial machines, and connected vehicles. Despite the acquisition, Arduino expects to preserve its independent brand, tools, and mission.

“Following this acquisition, the 33M+ active users in the Arduino community will gain access to Qualcomm Technologies’ powerful technology stack and global reach. Entrepreneurs, businesses, tech professionals, students, educators, and hobbyists will be empowered to rapidly prototype and test new solutions, with a clear path to commercialization supported by Qualcomm Technologies’ advanced technologies and extensive partner ecosystem,” Qualcomm wrote in the press release.

University and high school students largely use Arduino for their electronic building projects, which also includes programming. Engineers around the world use it as well to rapidly build prototypes. The software and hardware work with chips sourced from various providers. Both Qualcomm and Arduino expect to remain compatible with processors produced by other makers.

“Joining forces with Qualcomm Technologies allows us to supercharge our commitment to accessibility and innovation,” said Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino. “The launch of UNO Q is just the beginning— we’re excited to empower our global community with powerful tools that make AI development intuitive, scalable, and open to everyone.”

Additionally, Qualcomm plans to release Arduino Uno Q, a development board running on its Dragonwing QRB2210 processor. It supports Linux, AI workloads, and real-time microcontroller functions. This chip would be practical for robots requiring as much power as a computer or phone. It also provides control over wheels, wings, or other robotic parts.

Qualcomm mentioned its upcoming board will be the first to support a new development platform called AppLab, which enables AI, Python, and Linux workflows. It's designed to help Arduino programmers connect the coding frameworks used in robotics with those found in advanced AI applications.

“With our acquisitions of Foundries.io, Edge Impulse, and now Arduino, we are accelerating our vision to democratize access to our leading‑edge AI and computing products for the global developer community,” said Nakul Duggal, Group General Manager, Automotive, Industrial and Embedded IoT, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Arduino has built a vibrant global community of developers and creators. By combining their open-source ethos with Qualcomm Technologies’ portfolio of leading edge products and technologies, we’re helping enable millions of developers to create intelligent solutions faster and more efficiently—including a path towards global commercialization by leveraging the scale of our ecosystem.”

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