Thalwil, Switzerland – May 24, 2018 – u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies, and Arduino, providers of the world’s leading open-source hardware and software ecosystem, introduced four new boards to their MKR family, delivering enhanced wireless connectivity options for IoT applications. Previously Arduino adopted u-blox for their MKR GSM 1400, now one of the most popular boards of the MKR family for its unique characteristics and robustness.
Arduino introduced the MKR family and form factor to address IoT use cases by focusing on a standard blue print including a hardware crypto chip for enhanced security, a LiPo charger for power management, and an ARM Cortex M0 microcontroller. The MKR family offers a wide range of connectivity options, from low power long range to more traditional options, to satisfy the most stringent user requirements for IoT applications.
One of the boards released is the MKR WIFI 1010, ( https://store.arduino.cc/ardui
Two more new boards incorporate the u-blox NINA-W102. The MKR Vidor 4000 ( https://store.arduino.cc/ardui
In addition Arduino expanded its cellular offering with the MKR NB 1500, ( https://store.arduino.cc/ardui
The new boards feature industrial grade communication modules with an extended temperature range and superior guaranteed reliability, making them attractive to professional users seeking to develop small volume products or quickly prototype new concepts and ideas.
“In order to grow a full portfolio of connectivity boards for professional IoT use cases, we needed to find a supplier offering a superior quality and easy-to-use, globally certified range of modules in line with our brand strategy. Their roadmap and the compatibility between the products offered by u‑blox sealed the deal for us,” says Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino. “We also liked their approach to the educational market, that is in line with our vision.”
“For us at u‑blox, working with Arduino helps us extend our reach to a broad community of young engineers and tech enthusiasts, who now have an easy and affordable way to access our technology,” says Michael Ammann, Senior Principal Market Development at u‑blox. “We look forward to further expanding our partnership in the future.”
Purchase the new MKR boards on the Arduino website. ( https://store.arduino.cc/ )
About u‑blox
u‑blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies for the automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Their solutions let people, vehicles, and machines determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules, and a growing ecosystem of product supporting data services, u-blox is uniquely positioned to empower its customers to develop innovative solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
About Arduino
Arduino is the world’s leading open-source hardware and software ecosystem. The Company offers a range of software tools, hardware platforms and documentation enabling almost anybody to be creative with technology. Arduino is a popular tool for IoT product development as well as one of the most successful tools for STEM/STEAM education. Hundreds of thousands of designers, engineers, students, developers and makers around the world are using Arduino to innovate in music, games, toys, smart homes, farming, autonomous vehicles, and more.
