Arduino Uno microcontroller

Arduino is a world-renowned open-source hardware and software ecosystem that revolutionized the way makers, students, and engineers approach electronics prototyping. Originally launched in 2005 at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea in Italy, the project was created by Massimo Banzi and a team of co-founders to provide an affordable and easy-to-use platform for non-experts to build interactive digital devices. The iconic blue boards, such as the Arduino Uno shown in the image, have become the industry standard for education and DIY robotics.

While the brand's identity is deeply rooted in Italy—where the original boards were manufactured in Scarmagno—production has since expanded globally due to its open-source nature. Official boards are now produced in various locations, including Italy, the United States, and China, through partnerships with companies like Adafruit and Seeed Studio. In a major industry shift occurring in late 2025 and into 2026, the brand reached a new era of corporate ownership. Following a landmark acquisition, the American semiconductor giant Qualcomm became the ultimate owner of the Arduino company, aiming to integrate Arduino’s massive community and accessible platform with its own advanced AI and edge computing technologies.