Kontron, a leading global supplier of IoT technology, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announce the progress of their collaboration at embedded world 2025. Following their announcement last year, the collaboration has now entered development phase where Kontron will integrate Qualcomm Technologies' 5G, AI and edge computing technologies into their new embedded solutions.
The collaboration between Kontron and Qualcomm Technologies aims to drive advancements across multiple industries, including automotive, industrial automation, railways, and smart cities. By using Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G, AI, and edge computing capabilities, Kontron is enhancing its embedded solutions to meet the evolving demands of these sectors. The effort focuses on developing platforms that enable businesses to utilize AI, machine learning, and next-generation connectivity to create more efficient and security-focused operations.
With the first Kontron own 5G industrial broadband M.2 card being ready for sampling in Q2/25, Kontron continues to develop solutions for the various IoT vertical markets (including FRMCS). Based on Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G SDX72 chipset with support of industrial features to meet the requirements of the IoT eco-system. Through its close association with Qualcomm Technologies, Kontron is expanding its portfolio of high performance and security-focused embedded solutions tailored for industrial IoT applications.
The planned product lineup includes COM Express modules powered by Snapdragon® X Elite processors, designed for high-performance edge computing, COM-HPC Mini solutions, powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing™ IQ 9 and IQ 8 Series processors, which provide scalable performance for connected systems, and SMARC and OSM modules, powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ IQ 6 Series processor, which offer compact and energy-efficient solutions for industrial applications. Additionally, motherboards powered by Snapdragon X Elite are being developed specifically for the Industrial PC (IPC) industry. While these products remain in the planning phase, Kontron is actively working on their development with support from Qualcomm Technologies, with a product release expected in the near future.
A key aspect of the cooperation is Kontron’s targeted expansion of the high-performance low power processor segment in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. This initiative enables Kontron to further diversify its embedded portfolio and address a broader range of customer requirements. Qualcomm Technologies’ processors are already being integrated into several ongoing projects, enhancing edge AI capabilities and improving data processing in demanding industrial environments.
Hannes Niederhauser, CEO of Kontron, said: "Our cooperation with Qualcomm Technologies supports the expansion of the AI-ready high-performance, low power processor segment and enables us to develop solutions that utilize artificial intelligence, powerful and energy-efficient edge computing and 5G technology. This contributes to the digitalization and automation of key industrial sectors.”
Enrico Salvatori, SVP and President of Qualcomm Europe, Inc. emphasises: “The development of Kontron’s high-performance and scalable embedded solutions utilising Dragonwing and Snapdragon processors will provide new opportunities to enhance IoT infrastructure and seamlessly integrate AI at the edge. We look forward to continuing our work with Kontron to create intelligent, connected systems for a more efficient and secure future.”
