Category: Featured

MicroPython programming on Arduino just got easier

If you’ve been exploring MicroPython on Arduino, you already know how powerful and flexible this Python-based language can be for microcontroller programming. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, MicroPython opens up a new world of quick prototyping and clean, readable code. Now, we’re making it even easier to get started and manage your […]

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If you’ve been exploring MicroPython on Arduino, you already know how powerful and flexible this Python-based language can be for microcontroller programming. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, MicroPython opens up a new world of quick prototyping and clean, readable code.

Now, we’re making it even easier to get started and manage your MicroPython projects with the brand-new MicroPython Package Installer for Arduino!

What’s the MicroPython Package Installer?

Installing libraries and managing MicroPython code on your Arduino boards can sometimes feel like a chore. Hunting down the right libraries, uploading files manually – let’s be honest, it takes time.

The MicroPython Package Installer streamlines the entire process:

  • Find packages: Search for libraries directly from Arduino’s official MicroPython package index.
  • Install in seconds: Connect your board, pick a package, and install it with a single click.
  • Custom installations: Want to add a package from a GitHub URL? You can do that too.

Plus, it automatically converts files into the efficient .mpy format, optimizing size and speed on your microcontroller.

Why is this a big deal?

As MicroPython gains importance in the Arduino ecosystem, so does the need for tools that make it accessible and fun. Here’s how the MicroPython Package Installer does that:

  • Automated package installation: No need to worry about manual file management – installing libraries is quick and straightforward.
  • Works on any platform: Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, the tool is ready for you.
  • Perfect for beginners: No complicated workflows – just search, install, and start coding.

With the Arduino MicroPython Package Installer, you can spend less time setting things up and more time building your projects.

What packages can I find?

The MicroPython Package Installer connects to the growing Arduino MicroPython package index where you can find:

  • Official Arduino MicroPython libraries: A collection of packages curated and maintained by Arduino for common hardware and tasks.
  • Community-contributed libraries: Useful libraries contributed by the MicroPython community, including sensors, drivers, and more.
  • MicroPython standard libraries: All the official MicroPython libraries from the micropython-lib repository are also available for installation.

We’re excited to see this registry grow! If you’ve created a library that could help others, consider contributing to the package index on GitHub. Let’s build this ecosystem together!

How to get started

Here’s your step-by-step guide to running MicroPython on Arduino:

1. Install MicroPython on your board

If your board doesn’t have MicroPython installed yet, start with the Arduino MicroPython Installer. It automatically detects your connected board, downloads the latest firmware, and installs MicroPython with a single click.

2. Write and upload code

Once MicroPython is running, you’ll need a lightweight editor to write and manage your programs. Arduino Lab for MicroPython is the perfect tool for the job. Connect to your board, write your MicroPython code, upload files, and interact with the REPL shell to test your scripts in real time.

3. Manage MicroPython packages

Finally, use the MicroPython Package Installer to find and install libraries directly to your board. Search for packages, install them in seconds, or add custom ones from a GitHub URL.

Ready to dive in?

MicroPython has been part of the Arduino ecosystem for a while now, but with these tools, the experience is smoother and more beginner-friendly than ever before.

So, what’s stopping you? Grab your Arduino board, follow the steps above, and start experimenting with MicroPython today. Whether it’s a quick sensor readout, an IoT project, or a creative prototype, you’ll be up and running in no time.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll build next.

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Export data from Arduino Cloud to AWS S3

Managing your IoT data just got a whole lot easier — Arduino Cloud, now lets you send your time series data straight to AWS S3. With this seamless connection, organizing and analyzing your data is a breeze. In case you don’t know, Arduino Cloud is a robust, integrated platform that simplifies the development and lifecycle […]

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Managing your IoT data just got a whole lot easier — Arduino Cloud, now lets you send your time series data straight to AWS S3. With this seamless connection, organizing and analyzing your data is a breeze.

In case you don’t know, Arduino Cloud is a robust, integrated platform that simplifies the development and lifecycle management of IoT and industrial products at scale. Today, we’re very excited to share its integration with AWS S3 storage.

This is all part of our ongoing work with AWS, which also brings you Arduino Cloud licenses on the AWS Marketplace and soon, support for AWS IoT SiteWise. Stay tuned for more!

New feature spotlight: AWS S3 integration

If you’re familiar with the AWS ecosystem and you’ve started using Arduino Cloud, you can now extract time series data and publish it directly to Amazon S3 buckets. This new feature uses AWS’s scalable storage system and helps you access, manage, and analyze your IoT data easily.

You can now extract data at scheduled intervals, aggregate, and store it in CSV files within S3; which is a huge step to connect your Arduino devices with your current AWS setup. This functionality is available to all users on premium Arduino Cloud plans that support API access: Entry, Maker, Maker Plus, School and Business, . Whether you’re tracking environmental data from a smart garden or monitoring industrial equipment, the AWS S3 integration provides a straightforward way to manage large datasets.

Check out this Github link to learn how to extract time series samples from Arduino cloud and publish them to a AWS S3 destination bucket. 

Seamless experience with AWS Marketplace

The new S3 integration feature is even more powerful when combined with the availability of Arduino Cloud licenses on the AWS Marketplace. By purchasing licenses through AWS, there is no need for separate billing platforms, you benefit from unified billing. This makes it easier to manage subscriptions and simplify accounting, especially for organizations that are s already using AWS. They can get started with Arduino Cloud without the hassle of separate billing platforms. You can learn more about it here. 

With this new AWS S3 integration, Arduino Cloud keeps growing its ecosystem. This makes it easier for developers to create and expand IoT solutions. 

Get started with the new AWS S3 and Marketplace integration 

With the new AWS integrations, you can:

  • Take control of your IoT data with our new AWS S3 integration. Check out the documentation to learn more details.
  • Simplify your billing by purchasing Arduino Cloud licenses directly through the AWS Marketplace. Explore the available plans on our AWS Marketplace listing.

This is just the beginning. We’re also adding support for AWS IoT SiteWise, bringing even more capabilities to your IoT projects. Stay updated by following the Arduino blog.

If you have questions or need support, visit our contact page. We’re here to help you get the most out of Arduino Cloud. Get started today!

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Prototype faster and smarter in 2025: Meet the Arduino Pro Portenta Proto Kit

Launching today at CES 2025, the Arduino Pro Portenta Proto Kit is here to revolutionize how professionals approach prototyping. Designed to empower engineers, designers, and innovators from all walks of life, this kit provides everything you need to turn your ideas into functional prototypes quickly, efficiently, and without conventional limitations. Available in two variants – […]

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Launching today at CES 2025, the Arduino Pro Portenta Proto Kit is here to revolutionize how professionals approach prototyping. Designed to empower engineers, designers, and innovators from all walks of life, this kit provides everything you need to turn your ideas into functional prototypes quickly, efficiently, and without conventional limitations.

Available in two variants – Portenta Proto Kit ME (Motion Environment) and VE (Vision Environment, available later this month) – the kit equips you with advanced tools to tackle any challenge, from environmental sensing to machine vision to vibration detection, accelerating the prototyping phase from weeks to days and days to hours. Whether you’re developing predictive maintenance systems or high-speed test rigs, the flexible and comprehensive Portenta Proto Kit has you covered.

What’s inside the Portenta Proto Kit?

At the heart of the kit is the powerful Portenta H7, paired with the versatile Portenta Mid Carrier. These components support advanced processing and edge machine learning, ensuring your prototypes are as future-ready as they are functional. 

The kit also includes the full set of our innovative Modulino nodes for rapid sensing and actuation, 4G GNSS Module Global for connectivity, and an Arduino Cloud for Business Voucher for your first three months of seamless cloud integration – so you can store, display, and analyze data remotely. 

Depending on your chosen configuration, you’ll also find everything you need for motion, vision, and environmental sensing in one kit:

You’ll easily integrate all of these hardware tools with the new Proto Shield included, and leverage the Arduino IDE on the software side to develop quick, scalable, IoT-enabled prototypes.

Go from concept to reality in a wide range of applications

The Arduino Pro Portenta Proto Kit is suitable for many industries and countless applications: the kit’s modular design means you can tailor your prototypes to meet specific requirements, ensuring your projects are always on track. What’s more, you’ll often be able to transition from prototyping to production with no redesigns required.

Here are some ideas you could explore:

  • Predictive maintenance: reduce downtime and monitor machinery health, using advanced Nicla sensors and cloud-based predictive algorithms.
  • Environmental monitoring: precisely track air quality, noise, and other parameters for real-time decision-making.
  • Machine vision: implement object recognition, motion detection, and people counting using Nicla Vision.
  • Logistics tracking: monitor goods in transit with environmental data and cloud-enabled location tracking.
  • Intruder detection: use motion and face recognition for security monitoring, with cloud-based real-time alerts.
  • EV charging station: create a prototype for efficient, remotely managed charging with data analytics.
  • High-speed test rigs: build scalable test benches for automated sensor calibration, load testing, and real-time data analysis.

As always, we are curious to find out what the Arduino professional community will come up with next! 

Learn and innovate with the ACE-220 course

Ready to hit the ground running? Enroll in ACE-220: Portenta Proto Kit Certification Course on Arduino Academy. This eight-hour professional program is designed to provide embedded engineers, hardware designers, and firmware developers with hands-on modules that cover everything from hardware and software setup to cloud integration. By dedicating a few hours to the ACE-220 course, you’ll gain the expertise to leverage the kit’s capabilities fully, saving significant time and effort in your prototyping process and accelerating your path to innovation.

Get started on your greatest idea now!

Whether you’re building the next big thing in automation, smart cities, or IoT, the Arduino Pro Portenta Proto Kit offers the tools to make it happen. Explore the full kit online and take the first step toward redefining what’s possible in prototyping.

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Deploy your smart meeting room management system with Arduino GIGA

Managing shared spaces, especially meeting rooms, can be a headache in busy offices. At Arduino, we’ve experienced it firsthand in our flexible and dynamic offices around the world – where colleagues could often be seen wandering around with their laptops, trying to find a quiet place for videocalls or brainstorming sessions.  We started with a simple […]

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Managing shared spaces, especially meeting rooms, can be a headache in busy offices. At Arduino, we’ve experienced it firsthand in our flexible and dynamic offices around the world – where colleagues could often be seen wandering around with their laptops, trying to find a quiet place for videocalls or brainstorming sessions. 

We started with a simple shared Google Calendar, but as we often do, we took it a step further by creating an innovative solution – using Arduino GIGA R1 WiFi and GIGA Display Shield.

Open the door to better room booking 

Our engineers developed a physical device that can be conveniently installed next to every meeting room door, using the Arduino GIGA and GIGA Display Shield. The device connects seamlessly with Google Calendar APIs, allowing users to check room availability and book a space directly from the touchscreen. The APIs are managed by a custom Python® application that processes Google Calendar data and updates the corresponding IoT Thing in Arduino Cloud.

No more knocking on doors or interrupting meetings to check if the room is free! It’s all displayed in real-time, and booking is just a tap away. And, of course, everything is built with data privacy in mind.

To power the user-friendly interface we used LVGL, the “light and versatile visual library” perfect for building custom GUIs. We also leveraged Squareline Studio – because sometimes coding just feels like too much work – to easily design the display’s look and feel. 

For the finishing touch, we even created a custom 3D-printed case (for which you can just download the STL file right here).

Take it to the next level with automation

But why stop at meeting room booking? With this phygital system, you can integrate sensors to collect additional data like room temperature, humidity and lighting, automating systems to improve comfort and energy efficiency. 

Get started today

Built on two of Arduino’s most advanced products, the Arduino GIGA and GIGA Display Shield, this solution opens endless possibilities for automation and customization in your office. 

Ready to make your own? Check out the code and files on Project Hub and the repository on GitHub, to get started! And don’t forget to let us know what you’ll build.

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UNO Rev3 or UNO R4? Choosing the perfect Arduino for your project

The Arduino UNO is legendary among makers, and with the release of the UNO R4 in 2023, the family gained a powerful new member. But with two incredible options, which UNO should you pick for your project? Here’s a breakdown of what makes each board shine, depending on your needs, skills, and goals. Why the […]

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The Arduino UNO is legendary among makers, and with the release of the UNO R4 in 2023, the family gained a powerful new member. But with two incredible options, which UNO should you pick for your project? Here’s a breakdown of what makes each board shine, depending on your needs, skills, and goals.

Why the UNO Rev3 is still a go-to classic

The UNO Rev3 has been around for over a decade, earning its reputation as a solid, reliable board perfect for beginners. Simple, robust, and versatile, it’s the “base camp” of the Arduino ecosystem. Its 8-bit architecture makes it straightforward to understand exactly what’s happening in your code. 

Applications and ideal uses 

The UNO Rev3 is fantastic for projects like controlling LEDs, motors, and simple sensors – as well as any of the 15 projects included in our best-selling Arduino Starter Kit.

Its ability to handle a higher current directly from each pin makes it ideal for connecting power-hungry sensors or motors without needing extra components. It’s also compatible with an enormous number of sketches and libraries that have been built around it over the years.

One key advantage? The microcontroller on the UNO Rev3 can be removed, allowing you to use it independently – a feature that many seasoned users love.

Over the years, users have pushed it to the limit to create some pretty impressive applications: a remarkably powerful library for audio, an interactive crypto-mining tool, and even a whole BASIC computer that you can hang around your neck like a badge!

The UNO R4 was designed for the modern maker

The UNO R4 builds on everything makers love about the Rev3, adding features that bring it up to speed with the needs of today’s tech. Its 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 guarantees significantly faster processing power and can handle more advanced projects. It comes in two versions: the UNO R4 Minima for essential functionality and the UNO R4 WiFi for Internet-connected projects.

The latter is the brains of the Plug and Make Kit: the easiest way to go from zero to tech hero, with step-by-step tutorials to create a custom weather station, a video game controller, a smart timer and so much more!

Advanced features for new possibilities

The UNO R4 packs in features that are groundbreaking for the UNO family:

  • 12-bit DAC: Enables analog output for audio waveforms or other analog components without external circuitry.
  • CAN bus: Ideal for connecting multiple devices in robotics or automotive projects.
  • Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® on the R4 WiFi model: Easily build IoT projects and connect to the Arduino Cloud to control your devices remotely.
  • Enhanced Diagnostics: The R4 WiFi includes an error-capturing mechanism that helps beginners by identifying issues in the code, a fantastic learning tool.

Applications and ideal uses 

With increased memory and processing power, the UNO R4 is perfect for projects that require complex calculations or manage multiple processes. Think IoT, data sensing, automation systems, creative installations or scientific equipment where precise measurements and real-time adjustments are key.

What’s more, the UNO R4 has the capability to leverage AI – and our community has jumped at the chance of exploring whole new realms. One user built a gesture recognition system made of cardboard, another added smart detection to a pet door to always know if their cat was home or not, and another yet came up with a great tool to always know what song is playing.
Not to mention the possibilities for advanced animations like this one – inspired by Bad Apple – developed thanks to the LED matrix right on the UNO R4.

Is a 32-bit MCU always better than an 8-bit?

The short answer is, no. We believe the best solution is always determined by the requirements of the project at hand: bigger, faster, more powerful or more expensive is not always better.

8-bit microcontrollers process data in 8-bit chunks, which limits the size of numbers they can handle directly to values between 0 and 255 (or -127 and 128). This limitation makes them best suited for applications with minimal data processing needs, such as basic tasks like toggling LEDs or controlling simple sensors. However, they also tend to be more affordable and to consume less power, making hardware design less expensive, and have a simpler architecture, which translates to easier programming. So, if you are still learning the basics and need the most straightforward tool, or you are tackling a project with minimal requirements, an 8-bit MCU is not only all you need, but probably your best option.

On the other hand, if you need to work on much larger numbers and perform data-heavy calculations, 32-bit microcontrollers can handle advanced applications like image processing and real-time analytics. The difference is not just 4-fold going from 8 to 32: it’s a huge jump from 255 to 4,294,967,295! Almost by definition, any solution that requires this kind of performance will be more complex to design and program, require more memory, and consume more power, often affecting battery life. The upside, of course, is the incredible potential of what you can achieve!

Compatibility and transitioning from UNO Rev3 to UNO R4

If you already have experience with the UNO Rev3 and are considering the R4, but have concerns about compatibility, rest assured: they have the same form factor, pinout, and 5V operating voltage. This makes it easy to transfer accessories such as shields from one to the other. 

On the software side, tutorials and projects are often compatible. We have even created a GitHub repository where you can check compatibility for libraries with the new R4 (and even help us update information or add new R4-friendly versions). This is part of the effort we share with our community to make sure that transitioning to the UNO R4 – if you choose to do so – is as seamless as possible.

Which Arduino UNO should I choose?
UNO Rev3UNO R4
• Best for beginners or those working on foundational projects.

• Great for educational settings, where understanding core programming concepts and hardware interactions are the focus.

• Ideal if you need a reliable, budget-friendly, no-frills board with vast project resources available online.
• Perfect for advanced users or beginners looking to push boundaries with more complex projects.

• Best for IoT, data-intensive, or networked applications that require more processing power.

• A smart choice if you’re experimenting with new peripherals like CAN bus, DAC, or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity.

Choose your UNO and start creating!

Whether you choose the classic UNO Rev3 or the more recent UNO R4, you’re joining a global community of makers, educators, and inventors who love to create. Both boards offer incredible opportunities, each tailored to different stages and styles of making.
Ready to dive into a new project? Buy your next UNO and discover limitless possibilities!

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Discover the new Arduino UNO SPE Shield: the quick and easy way to advanced connectivity

Arduino and Microchip are excited to open electronica – the “world’s leading trade fair and conference for electronics” – by introducing the Arduino UNO SPE Shield, a powerful ally to bring advanced connectivity to new and existing projects, with Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) and RS485.  SPE is a new Ethernet communication standard that enables power and […]

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Arduino and Microchip are excited to open electronica – the “world’s leading trade fair and conference for electronics” – by introducing the Arduino UNO SPE Shield, a powerful ally to bring advanced connectivity to new and existing projects, with Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) and RS485. 

SPE is a new Ethernet communication standard that enables power and data to coexist on a single pair of wires, referred to as Power over Data Line (PoDL). This allows for faster data transfer and reduced wiring complexity and costs, leading to more streamlined and rapid deployment of integrated strategies for the automation of buildings, factories, and processes, in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). 

By incorporating RS485 connectivity, the Arduino UNO SPE Shield becomes a versatile tool for upgrading RS485 legacy systems or integrating modern technologies with current infrastructures, creating a seamless bridge between the old and the new.

As a valuable new addition to the Arduino ecosystem, the Arduino UNO SPE Shield offers plug-and-play compatibility with Arduino UNO R4 – catering to a broad spectrum of innovators, from DIY enthusiasts to engineers developing cutting-edge solutions for industrial applications.

A powerful partnership

The SPE Shield was created in collaboration with Microchip, a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control and processing solutions, by using its LAN8651B1T-E/LMX Single Pair Ethernet MAC-PHY.

In recognition of this joint effort, Martin Miller, Director of Automotive Information Systems at  Microchip remarked: “Our collaboration with Arduino in launching the new SPE Shield aims to empower the maker and engineering communities by providing them with advanced tools to drive new breakthroughs. This solution represents our commitment to developing and delivering flexible, connected and scalable solutions for the future.”

Indeed, the partnership has allowed for a product that delivers both cutting-edge, reliable technology as well as versatility and a user-friendly experience. 

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, commented: “The Arduino UNO SPE Shield represents a pivotal step in accelerating the adoption of 10BASE-T1S technology across industry and maker communities alike. By bringing single-pair Ethernet to our globally trusted platform, we’re making this game-changing standard accessible to millions of innovators worldwide. What sets our implementation apart is our unique addition of Power over Data Lines capabilities – an industry-first feature that extends beyond the standard specifications to unlock entirely new possibilities for powered, single-cable solutions. This powerful combination of standardized communication and innovative power delivery empowers developers to create more elegant, cost-effective connected systems that bridge today’s industrial requirements with tomorrow’s possibilities. Whether you’re retrofitting legacy equipment or prototyping next-generation IoT devices, the UNO SPE Shield delivers the essential building blocks for modern industrial communication in our signature easy-to-use Arduino format.”

Key benefits of the Arduino UNO SPE Shield

  • Fast and reliable data transfer with Single-Pair Ethernet.
  • Reduced wiring complexity and lower project costs.
  • Versatile use across industries from smart factories to energy monitoring.
  • Seamless integration with the widest range of technologies, ensuring a quick start with minimal setup.
  • Plug-and-play compatibility with Arduino’s major maker platform for makers at all levels.
  • Open-source support with a dedicated Arduino library to streamline programming and development.

Revolutionizing connectivity across industries

The Arduino UNO SPE Shield enables enhanced innovation across a wide array of fields, solving real-world challenges from smart buildings to prototyping IoT devices. 

For instance, with the Arduino UNO SPE Shield interconnected building management solutions can easily combine smart lighting, HVAC, and security devices with energy monitoring systems – all integrated via a central control system powered by SPE and RS485.

In general, the new SPE standard is considered a game changer for the connection of field devices and sensors. For example, in smart-grid monitoring the SPE Shield provides seamless connectivity between energy meters, solar inverters, and battery storage systems, delivering real-time data to the cloud. 

In factory automation, adopting SPE can reduce wiring costs, node costs, and power consumption, while enabling data communications via a single pair of wires. Being able to effortlessly retrofit legacy RS485 equipment with this technology only adds to the benefits of the Arduino UNO SPE Shield.

In the automotive industry, combining SPE and RS485 allows for solutions that bridge advanced systems with legacy components, enabling comprehensive monitoring of engine health and fuel efficiency in connected vehicles. 

Last but not least, the SPE Shield’s unique combination of ultra-fast data transfer, real-time connectivity and seamless integration with legacy components facilitates quick testing and refinement of prototypes, accelerating the development of new ideas.

Connect to your next innovation, with Arduino UNO SPE Shield. Sign up for the waiting list to be the first to know when it’s available for purchase!

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Arduino’s Alvik Robot shortlisted for the Bett Awards 2025 in the AV, VR/AR, Robotics, and Digital Device category!

We’re thrilled to announce that Arduino Education has been shortlisted for the Bett Awards 2025, this time in the AV, VR/AR, Robotics, or Digital Device category with our Alvik robot! This recognition highlights our dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and the advancement of practical STEM education. The Bett Awards celebrate leading-edge technology in education, with entries […]

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We’re thrilled to announce that Arduino Education has been shortlisted for the Bett Awards 2025, this time in the AV, VR/AR, Robotics, or Digital Device category with our Alvik robot! This recognition highlights our dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and the advancement of practical STEM education.

The Bett Awards celebrate leading-edge technology in education, with entries evaluated on key criteria such as innovation, curriculum suitability, online safety, research evidence, customer support and more.

About the Alvik robot

Alvik is an adaptable, lifelong learning robot that supports educators and students as they transition from block-based programming to text-based coding using MicroPython and Arduino language. It enables them to explore robotics and tackle real-life challenges with comprehensive learning content. However, Alvik isn’t just designed to teach programming and robotics; it can also enhance students’ understanding of topics like mathematics and astronomy, along with other engaging projects. Alvik’s curriculum-aligned course makes it an ideal fit for today’s classrooms, empowering students with hands-on skills and a strong foundation in STEAM.

But what truly sets Alvik apart from other educational robots is its limitless potential for customization. Students and teachers can easily add external sensors using the I2C Grove and Qwiic plug-and-play connectors, eliminating the need for soldering or complex wiring. Additionally, the LEGO® Technic™ and M3 screw connectors encourage hands-on creativity, allowing users to build custom components and further expand Alvik’s capabilities.

We’re honored to be recognized once again, and we can’t wait to attend Bett in just a couple of months. The winners will be announced at the Bett Awards 2025 Ceremony on January 22nd at The Brewery, London. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Machine-to-machine communication is easier than ever: Opta now supports OPC UA

OPC Unified Architecture – OPC UA in short – is a cross-platform, open-source machine-to-machine communication protocol for industrial automation. It was developed by the Open Platform Communications (OPC) Foundation and is defined in detail in the IEC 62541 standard. With the release of the Arduino_OPC_UA library we enable users to convert any product from our […]

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OPC Unified Architecture – OPC UA in short – is a cross-platform, open-source machine-to-machine communication protocol for industrial automation. It was developed by the Open Platform Communications (OPC) Foundation and is defined in detail in the IEC 62541 standard.

With the release of the Arduino_OPC_UA library we enable users to convert any product from our Arduino Opta range into an OPC UA-enabled device. 

Step-by-step guide to setting up OPC UA on Arduino Opta

It’s as simple as uploading a single sketch onto your Opta and connecting it to an Ethernet network. Once uploaded, the OPC UA firmware exposes the Arduino Opta’s analog and digital inputs, the user button and LED (only Arduino Opta WiFi), as well as its relay outputs as properties that can be read from or written to using OPC UA. OPC UA communication is performed using OPC UA binary encoding via TCP sockets.

Arduino_OPC_UA is a port of the Fraunhofer open62541 library implementing IEC 62541 in highly portable C99 for both Windows and Linux targets. One serious challenge during the porting of open62541 was to decide on sensible tradeoffs concerning RAM consumption, as using OPC UAs full namespace zero (NS0) requires up to 8 MB of RAM while the STM32H747 powering the Arduino Opta has a total of 1 MB of SRAM to offer – some of which already allocated by the the Arduino framework for the Arduino Opta.

Expand functionality with Arduino Opta Modules and OPC UA integration

Additionally, Arduino_OPC_UA supports the automatic discovery, configuration and exposure as OPC UA objects of the recently released Arduino Opta expansion modules. Currently three different expansion modules exist: Arduino Opta Analog Expansion (A0602), Arduino Opta Digital Expansion with electro-mechanical relay outputs (D1608E), and with solid-state relay outputs (DS1608S). During system start-up, the Arduino Opta’s expansion bus is queried for connected expansion modules and automatically configures them and brings them online for interfacing via OPC UA.

You can extend the default OPC UA server to add additional OPC UA properties such as data collected from a sensor device connected to the Arduino Opta. As a demonstration, we’ve created an example showing how to collect temperature and humidity data from a Modbus RTU device (connected to the Opta’s RS485 port) and subsequently expose this data via OPC UA properties.

How will you use the new Arduino_OPC_UA library? Let us know in the comments below or share your newest projects on Project Hub! 

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Introducing Arduino Academy: your path to becoming an Arduino-Certified Engineer begins!

Want to upgrade your skills and become a certified Arduino engineer? Welcome to the Arduino Academy, the go-to platform for hands-on, interactive learning designed to prepare you for the future of technology. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, the Academy offers cutting-edge courses that will give you a competitive edge leveraging […]

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Want to upgrade your skills and become a certified Arduino engineer? Welcome to the Arduino Academy, the go-to platform for hands-on, interactive learning designed to prepare you for the future of technology. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, the Academy offers cutting-edge courses that will give you a competitive edge leveraging the leading open-source ecosystem in the world.

Arduino Education Goes Pro

Capitalizing on Arduino’s extensive experience in the education space and the success of the industrial-grade professional products in the Arduino Pro range, the Arduino Academy offers self-paced courses that facilitate deep learning with hands-on labs. 

Designed for all skill levels, it provides certifications and badges for LinkedIn integration and allows progress tracking, flexible navigation, and personalized learning paths. 

Each course includes built-in quizzes, discussions, and multimedia content and is mobile-friendly for learning on the go. Like all Arduino initiatives, it comes with the support of a dynamic global community of 33+ million active users, always ready to help and contribute!

Master PLC Programming Basics with ACE-100 

The first course in the Arduino Academy is Opta Essentials (ACE-100), where you’ll jump right into industrial automation, gaining essential PLC programming skills using Ladder Diagram and Arduino Language (based on C++).

Designed to engage you in hands-on projects, ACE-100 gives you practical experience for real-world applications – like designing a bottle-filling conveyor system. You’ll learn to connect the Arduino Opta with Arduino Cloud, enhancing your automation capabilities, and unlock your creativity with the cost-effective Opta Trainer Kit, available through authorized partners, PLC Cables and DigiKey.

This self-paced, 16-hour course is perfect for those eager to learn PLC programming using Arduino IDE and PLC IDE. It covers the five languages in the IEC 61131-3 standard. ACE-100 is the ideal starting point for diving into Industrial IoT (IIoT) and was designed by the Arduino team for a broad audience, including students, professional embedded engineers, and companies looking to train their employees or provide them with valuable self-training. 

Last but not least, ACE-100 is free! Enroll now to take advantage of this transformative learning experience.

Stay tuned; more courses are in the works and will be released soon! Ready to take the plunge? Head to the Arduino Academy and begin your journey toward becoming an expert in the fields of embedded and automation technologies, with Arduino.

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Arduino and Truesense partner to bring UWB technology to millions

We are excited to announce our latest partnership with Truesense, a leader in ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, known for its innovative software and hardware solutions. This collaboration enhances our ecosystem of hardware products, software solutions, and cloud services, providing developers worldwide with professional-grade tools. Our focus is on delivering highly accurate real-time location systems and tracking […]

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We are excited to announce our latest partnership with Truesense, a leader in ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, known for its innovative software and hardware solutions.

This collaboration enhances our ecosystem of hardware products, software solutions, and cloud services, providing developers worldwide with professional-grade tools. Our focus is on delivering highly accurate real-time location systems and tracking solutions.

Compared to other wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi®, UWB offers superior accuracy for ranging and positioning, operates within a less congested radio spectrum, and coexists with technologies like Wi-Fi® and NFC without interference. Additionally, UWB’s enhanced physical layer (PHY) supports advanced security features such as cryptography and random number generation, making it ideal for applications requiring secure communication.

Through our partnership with Truesense, we envision a future where seamless applications gather precise, real-time information from the environment, allowing machines to make quick, accurate decisions without human intervention.

Collaborating with Truesense empowers us to enrich our offerings with advanced technology that meets the needs of the growing number of users who rely on Arduino’s open-source solutions for innovation. Partnerships like these are essential to expanding possibilities within the Arduino community.

Armando Caltabiano, CEO of Truesense, commented, “We are excited to partner with Arduino to bring innovative UWB solutions to the market. We are combining the accuracy and secure ranging of our UWB technology with the leading open-source ecosystem, to provide developers with powerful tools to quickly build robust smart IoT and Industrial real-time tracking systems. This partnership showcases our commitment to making UWB technology widely accessible for developers and innovators.”

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, added, “This partnership with Truesense is crucial for the Arduino community as it provides access to advanced UWB technology through open and accessible Arduino libraries. By integrating cutting-edge hardware into our ecosystem, we’re empowering developers to create sophisticated applications without barriers. These tools will enable our users to push the boundaries of innovation, bringing highly accurate, real-time tracking and secure communication to a wider audience.”

Together, Arduino and Truesense are committed to delivering high-performance, accessible solutions that enable the development of next-generation projects, from industrial applications to consumer electronics, empowering developers to create cutting-edge UWB applications.

The post Arduino and Truesense partner to bring UWB technology to millions appeared first on Arduino Blog.