From Arduino to AI: A 20-Year Journey with David Cuartielles

EDGE AI POD

Twenty years after its founding in a small Italian café, Arduino has transformed from a simple open-source project into a global technology enabler that's educated an entire generation of makers, developers, and engineers. In this fascinating conversation with Arduino co-founder David Cuartielles, we explore the evolution of this groundbreaking platform and its growing role in the edge AI revolution.
David takes us through Arduino's remarkable journey, sharing how a project named after an Italian king (and a local coffee shop) has grown to become the foundation of countless innovations worldwide. What began as an attempt to democratize basic electronics—making it less expensive and complicated "to just do something that would detect pressing a button and turning on a light"—has evolved into sophisticated platforms supporting edge AI and tiny machine learning applications.
The conversation reveals how Arduino has kept pace with technological advancement, moving from basic microcontrollers to powerful Linux computers that can run complex applications and be updated over the air. We explore the practical applications of edge AI in industrial settings, where Arduino enables cost-effective, incremental improvements that deliver significant impacts. As David explains, sometimes the simplest implementations—like smart lamps or Roomba vacuum robots—prove most effective in the real world.
Particularly inspiring is Arduino's commitment to global education, with David sharing insights from a recent DyniML workshop in Malawi that showcased the extraordinary talent and enthusiasm of participants. From manufacturing facilities in Italy and India to offices in Austin and educational initiatives across continents, Arduino continues to democratize technology access worldwide.
Whether you're a longtime Arduino user, an AI enthusiast interested in edge computing, or simply curious about how small technologies can create massive impact, this episode offers valuable insights into the past, present, and future of one of technology's most influential platforms. Subscribe now and join us as we explore how Arduino continues to empower creators and innovators across the globe.

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Chapters

1. From Arduino to AI: A 20-Year Journey with David Cuartielles (00:00:00)

2. Welcome and Austin Tech Scene (00:00:07)

3. Arduino's 20-Year Anniversary (00:01:34)

4. DyniML Workshop Experience in Malawi (00:03:57)

5. Arduino's Evolution with Edge AI (00:06:26)

6. Brownfield Implementations and Industrial Applications (00:11:00)

7. Global Reach and Educational Impact (00:18:25)