DigiKey and Arduino have launched the Dream Lab Challenge, offering $20,000 in prizes to creators who build projects using Arduino's UNO Q microcontroller board. The contest is open through 30 September 2026 to US-based makers, engineers, students and innovators aged 18 and older. Four winners will each receive a custom lab package valued at approximately $5,000, featuring professional-grade test equipment. Submissions should showcase the UNO Q board's capabilities in areas such as intelligent robotics, AI-powered vision systems or smart automation platforms. Projects will be judged on creativity, technical execution, documentation quality and potential impact. Participants must submit their work as a maker.io project post using the hashtag #UNOQDreamLab and complete a form on the contest page.

Build a retro home arcade with an Arduino(R) UNO(TM) Q board! Arduino Team - July 20th, 2026 Just a few weeks after launching the UNO(TM) Q DIY synth bundle, Planet Arduino is adding a new classic project you can pick up in one click, and get done in a weekend. Meet the UNO(TM) Q Arcade bundle: a rewarding new way to start building with UNO Q, following a complete step-by-step tutorial towards a clear objective - and gaining hands-on tech experience as you go! Not only is the bundle designed to make your experience frictionless and rewarding, but it comes out during a special sale with a 20% discount built right in to sweeten the deal. Don't sleep on it! If the DIY synth bundle taught Planet Arduino anything, it's these sell out fast. The UNO Q Arcade bundle: one board, infinite games. Now anyone can build their own arcade cabinet, in just a few hours of fun. Follow the instructions available on Arduino(R) Project Hub, and you'll quickly have UNO Q run RetroArch - the well-established open-source multi-system emulator - directly on its Debian Linux side, outputting via HDMI and handling audio over USB. No separate single-board computer, no extra compute module, no compromises: the Qualcomm Dragonwing(TM) QRB2210 processor manages multiple emulation cores, controller input, video, and audio simultaneously, while the onboard eMMC provides plenty of room for ROMs and configuration files. But one board does not a bundle make! Planet Arduino has included three easy-to-use Arduino(R) Modulino(TM) nodes - Buttons, Joystick, and Movement - to make the controller side of UNO 4GB really shine. Modulino eliminate complex wiring: just daisy-chain them together via Qwiic and you're ready to configure. Use Joystick to simulate D-Pad or mouse movement, Buttons for single or multi-key shortcuts, and Movement for motion-based mouse control. Every input is customizable to your playstyle. Create your own games with open-source Godot. So you can build the cool hardware, and leverage ready-to-use software to play your favorite retro-style games. But how about creating your own? Thanks to its Debian Linux environment, UNO Q can run projects built with the popular open-source game engine Godot. This makes the UNO Q the heart of a compact game-development platform and, ultimately, a super-portable DIY video game console. Develop your game with Godot, connect UNO Q to a display via HDMI, add a USB audio device, and build your own controller using Modulino nodes or other Arduino-compatible hardware. Buttons, joysticks, motion sensors, knobs, LEDs, and even environmental sensors can become part of the gameplay - not just accessories connected to it. Put everything inside a 3D-printed or custom enclosure, add a small HDMI display and a portable power source, and your project can move from desktop prototype to a self-contained gaming device you can carry, demonstrate, and play almost anywhere. Check out these inspiring GitHub repos to get a better idea of how you can stretch the UNO Q Arcade bundle: Ready? Set? Play! While the community has been building these kinds of playful and retro projects for years, UNO Q makes them more capable than ever. With the bundle, Planet Arduino want to make it easier to get started, and more affordable to dive in. Bring your creativity! Planet Arduino has taken care of the rest. Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Arduino, Modulino, UNO, and the Arduino logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Arduino S.r.l.

Arduino Bluetooth Controller APP. Introducing its Bluetooth Controller App that empowers you to interact with microcontrollers wirelessly and effortlessly. Seamlessly connect your Android device to any compatible microcontroller and take complete control of its operations with a user-friendly interface. Whether you're an electronics enthusiast, hobbyist, or professional. Explore a world of possibilities with home automation, robotics, IoT projects, and more. Experience the convenience of wireless control and unlock endless potential with this Bluetooth Controller App! Key Features: Drive and maneuver your robot car remotely, making it an entertaining and interactive experience using fully customizable direction buttons. Take charge of your remote-controlled projects with ease. Car Controller: Easily control your robot car's movement, speed, and lights using simple commands. Make driving smooth and interactive with intuitive controls. Experience true bidirectional communication with the enhanced terminal tool. Send commands directly from your keyboard to the microcontroller and monitor real-time responses. Implement switches for home automation or any other purpose. Effortlessly control devices and systems using customized switches. Voice Control: Send vocal commands to your microcontroller and utilize them to control LEDs, lamps, motors, and more. Experience the power of voice-activated control. Single Switch: Easily toggle any LED or relay with a basic, customizable button. Turn devices on or off with a single tap. RGB LED Control: Experience the magic of RGB LED lighting control. Customize and transform your surroundings with vibrant lighting effects. Keypad Control: Added support for a 4x4 keypad module, enabling a new input capabilities for your microcontroller. Control Over a Network: Remotely control your Arduino over a local area network. Connect two Android devices - one to the microcontroller and another to the controlling Android device. Effortlessly manage your microcontroller's operations from anywhere. This App opens up a world of possibilities for wireless control and automation. With its versatile features and intuitive interface, it caters to a wide range of applications. Embrace the freedom of wireless control and discover limitless potential with its Bluetooth Controller App. APP CONFIGURATION: After connecting to your Arduino or microcontroller, configure the app to match your microcontroller's code. Incorrect settings may cause the app to send default commands like '0' and '1'. Customize the app's controls to match your microcontroller's pins and protocols for smooth operation. Check the documentation or use provided code examples for guidance. Attributions - Mic icons created by Freepik - Flaticon Iot icons created by Freepik - Flaticon Led light icons created by Natthapong - Flaticon Switch icons created by Freepik - Flaticon Gaming icons created by Flat Icons - Flaticon Rgb icons created by Freepik - Flaticon Web coding icons created by Saepul Nahwan - Flaticon Dial pad icons created by Dixit Lakhani_02 - Flaticon Smart car icons created by Freepik - Flaticon