At Embedded World 2025 in Nuremberg, one of the demos showcased the Qualcomm Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR), a development platform designed to help engineers and product teams build intelligent, self-driving robots for industrial and commercial use. This solution was the result of a strategic collaboration between STMicroelectronics, eInfochips (an Arrow company), and Qualcomm Technologies, which aim to develop intelligent, connected robots by providing a robust and modular platform.
A collaboration shaped by a shared vision
The collaboration began with Qualcomm Technologies and eInfochips developing “Edge Labs,” a Center of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to help customers accelerate development of connected intelligent edge devices. As part of this initiative, eInfochips focused on robotics, using Qualcomm’s advanced QCS8550 chipset to address growing market demand for high-performance AMRs. This processor, which features GPU, NPU, CPU and sensor fusion capabilities including camera, is capable of accurate environmental perception and allows to independently navigate even the harshest of industrial environments, while adhering to stringent safety constraints.
To complete the platform and ensure efficient motion and long battery life, eInfochips turned to ST’s motor drivers, power ICs and an ultra-low-power MCU. The collaboration was officially launched in 2024, with the goal of creating a fully integrated AMR reference design to help OEMs and developers accelerate product development and reduce time to market.
What is the Qualcomm Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)
Unlike traditional robots that follow fixed paths or require manual control, an AMR can understand its surroundings, make decisions in real time, and navigate through dynamic environments without human intervention. The Qualcomm AMR is powered by Qualcomm’s Aikri System-on-Module (SoM) and ST advanced motion control and sensing technologies. It is equipped with a 360-degree vision system, LiDAR sensors, and AI/ML processing and is compatible with ROS2 and Linux.
To tackle common robotics challenges, such as drift in straight-line movement or navigation errors due to surface irregularities, the AMR includes smart control mechanisms like PID (and multi-sensor data integration. With support for advanced fleet management tools like Open-RMF, users can monitor and coordinate multiple robots via cloud-based platforms. Thanks to the ability to perceive its environment, avoid obstacles, and chart its own course, the platform operates effectively even in spaces that change frequently or include moving people and objects.
One of the main features is modularity: this solution is designed as an adaptable and portable development kit rather than a finished product. This gives developers flexibility to tailor the platform for a variety of use cases, from warehouse automation to indoor delivery systems.
ST solutions for the AMR Reference Platform
ST contributed with innovative technologies that enable the AMR’s key capabilities:
- Motion Control & Efficiency: the STSPIN840 motor drivers and STM32H743 microcontroller provide smooth, responsive motion, while buck and LDO regulators (L7981 and LD39100) deliver efficient, stable power to all subsystems.
- Perception & Safety: the LSM6DSL IMU and STTS751 temperature sensor enable accurate environmental awareness and operational safety.
- Communication & Robustness: the L9616 CAN transceiver ensures reliable subsystem communication, while ESD protection devices maintain performance in harsh environments.
Unity is strength: how collaboration accelerated AMR development
The successful development of this project was the result of a joint effort. eInfochips led the hardware, software, and mechanical development, designing the system, and managing testing and manufacturing. Qualcomm provided the computational backbone and connectivity, while ST’s technologies formed the control layer and power foundation.
This division of roles, supported by years of collaboration and aligned roadmaps, allowed the teams to rapidly iterate and bring the AMR to market. The result is a fully ROS2-compatible, Linux-based development platform, enabling features such as SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping), AI-powered perception, 360° vision, and fleet management.
Additionally, a significant outcome is that developers report 30-40% faster time-to-market using the platform, thanks to ready-to-use components, software libraries, and robust reference designs.
Looking ahead: scalable and future-proof robotics
Qualcomm AMR offers a ready-to-customize foundation for building the next generation of autonomous robots. ST, Qualcomm, and eInfochips are continuing to develop next-gen features, including new vision modules, enhanced AI offload using the STM32N6 MCU, and expanded cloud-based fleet management via integration with InOrbit and the Qualcomm QIRP SDK.
Put simply, the Qualcomm AMR combines best-in-class computing, motion, sensing, and power into a single solution reinforcing ST’s role as a trusted partner in robotics innovation, bringing efficiency, precision, and intelligence for autonomous systems.
- Discover more on ST’s solutions for robotics
- Discover more on ST and Qualcomm collaboration
- Discover more on eInfochips solutions for robotics
