Disclaimer:
This article is an independent review and summary of publicly available information. Arduino®, Qualcomm®, and other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. All specifications are sourced from official product pages and announcements.
Introduction
In October 2025, Qualcomm Technologies announced its acquisition of Arduino, a pioneer in open‑source electronics and maker boards. Shortly after, Arduino unveiled the Arduino UNO Q, a hybrid “dual-brain” development board that merges powerful computing and real‑time control in the familiar UNO form factor.
This opens exciting possibilities for makers, IoT developers, educators, and robotics enthusiasts around the world.
What is Arduino UNO Q?
The Arduino UNO Q is more than just another Arduino board — it’s a hybrid platform built for modern IoT and AI applications. Designed as the ultimate learning companion, the UNO Q is simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough for advanced creators. From blinking your first LED to building intelligent IoT and AI systems, it empowers innovation at every stage of your journey.
The UNO Q is also the first Arduino board to work seamlessly with Arduino App Lab, a versatile integrated development environment that supports both Python and Arduino Sketch for easy programming of its unique “dual-brain” architecture.
Dual‑Brain Architecture: Linux Power Meets Real‑Time Precision
At its core, the Arduino UNO Q features a dual‑processor design:
- A Linux® Debian–capable microprocessor powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ QRB2210, delivering quad‑core performance, AI and graphics acceleration, and full camera, audio, and display support.
- A real‑time STM32U585 microcontroller, ensuring precise control, instant responsiveness, and reliable execution for time‑critical tasks.
This combination allows one processor to handle “smart” functions — like AI, connectivity, and data processing — while the other ensures flawless real‑time control of sensors, motors, and other peripherals.
Key Specifications of the Arduino UNO Q
Core Specifications
- Microprocessor: Qualcomm® DragonWing™ QRB2210 (Quad-core ARM® Cortex®‑A53 CPU @ 2.0 GHz)
- Microcontroller: STMicroelectronics STM32U585 (ARM Cortex‑M33) @ up to 160 MHz
- Memory & Storage: 2 GB LPDDR4 RAM, 16 GB eMMC storage
- Connectivity: Dual‑band Wi‑Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, USB‑C with power delivery & video output
- Interfaces: I²C, SPI, UART, CAN, PWM, GPIO, JTAG, ADC, Qwiic connector, JCTL connector
- Multimedia: Camera, audio I/O, RGB LEDs, LED matrix display
- OS: Debian Linux on MPU, Arduino Core + Zephyr OS on MCU
Why Qualcomm Buying Arduino Is a Big Deal for Tech Beginners
Arduino has long been a favorite among hobbyists, educators, and makers for its open‑source nature and ease of use. Qualcomm’s acquisition brings the power of advanced AI, connectivity, and processor technology to the Arduino ecosystem, enabling projects that are smarter, faster, and more capable than ever before.
For learners, this means access to cutting‑edge tools without sacrificing the simplicity that makes Arduino special. For makers and developers, it opens a new era of intelligent IoT and robotics innovation.
Wrapping Up
Qualcomm’s acquisition of Arduino marks a significant milestone for the maker community. The Arduino UNO Q represents the first step toward merging simplicity with advanced processing power, empowering hobbyists, educators, and innovators to create the next generation of connected devices.
At Vihaan IoT Gateway (VIG), we’re excited to follow this journey. We’ll continue to share updates, tutorials, and resources to help you get the most out of this new era of Arduino innovation.
🔗 Explore Arduino boards and accessories now: Vihaan IoT Gateway Arduino Store
References
Note: For security compliance, the following URLs are provided as plain text and are not clickable. Please copy and paste them into your browser to visit the respective pages.
- Arduino official announcement on joining Qualcomm Technologies:
www.arduino.cc/qualcomm - Qualcomm official press release on acquiring Arduino:
www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2025/10/qualcomm-to-acquire-arduino-accelerating-developers--access-to-i - Forbes article on Qualcomm acquiring Arduino and embedded platform strategy:
www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2025/10/07/qualcomm-acquires-arduino-to-advance-its-embedded-platform-strategy/ - CNBC coverage of Qualcomm acquiring Arduino and the launch of Arduino UNO Q:
www.cnbc.com/2025/10/07/qualcomm-acquires-italian-hardware-company-arduino-in-robotics-play-.html - PCMag report on Qualcomm buying Arduino and AI tools for DIY projects:
www.pcmag.com/news/qualcomm-buys-arduino-will-bring-ai-tools-to-your-diy-tech-projects - Arduino official product page for Arduino UNO Q specifications:
www.arduino.cc/product-uno-q