Chipmaker Qualcomm Technologies is set to acquire single board computer (SBC) developer Arduino in a deal designed to accelerate advanced capabilities to the developer and maker community.
Simultaneously, Qualcomm and Arduino have launched a new SBC called the Arduino UNO Q that is powered by Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QRB2210 processor.
Qualcomm said the acquisition follows its recent integrations of Edge Impulse and Foundries.io to develop full-stack edge computing options that include hardware, software and could services.
The company said it will bring its processing, graphics, computer vision and AI with Arduino’s SBCs that will offer a new level of sophistication and capabilities to Arduino’s simplicity, affordability and community.
As part of the deal, Arduino will retain its independent brand, tools and mission. It will also support a wide range of microcontrollers and microprocessors from multiple providers. Additionally, once the acquisition is approved, Arduino’s 33 million users in the Arduino community will gain access to Qualcomm’s technology stack and reach.
The Arduino UNO Q is a single board computer that will include the Qualcomm Dragonwing processor with a microcontroller from STMicroelectronics. Source: Qualcomm
Arduino UNO Q
The UNO Q includes dual processors with a Linux Debian-capable microprocessor powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210 processor and the ST Microelectronics STM32UG85 microcontroller. This offers up features like AI and graphics acceleration, quad-core performance and camera/audio/display support.
Arduino said the SBC can be used by designers and makers to create smart home solutions or even industrial automation systems.
