Arduino Cloud – what is it and how to get started? Examples, features, IoT integrations

Arduino Cloud is a user-friendly cloud platform designed with the development of Internet of Things (IoT) projects in mind. It allows even beginners to build systems for remote lighting control, environmental monitoring, or home device management – all without the need to set up their own servers or write complex code. The platform consolidates everything needed in one place: defining devices (Things), creating cloud variables, uploading code to Arduino boards, and visualizing data in the form of interactive dashboards. Thanks to the IoT Remote mobile app, remote control of projects is possible – for example, turning on lights or reading a temperature sensor – from anywhere in the world.

In this article, we answer the questions:

• What is Arduino Cloud and how does it work
• What projects can be realized on it
• How to start working with this platform
• How it compares to the competition

What is Arduino Cloud?

Arduino Cloud is a cloud platform developed by the creators of the Arduino ecosystem, which enables intuitive and accessible IoT project creation and management. It is a natural extension of the classic Arduino IDE environment, but with an additional cloud layer – meaning all data, settings, and control interfaces can be accessed from anywhere, via a browser or mobile app.

The platform is designed for a wide range of users – from beginner hobbyists, through students and scholars, to engineers implementing small IoT systems. Thanks to the low entry threshold and support for popular Arduino boards and microcontrollers ESP32/ESP8266, it is possible to start working almost immediately, without the need for server configuration or advanced backend knowledge.

If you are planning your own project in the Arduino Cloud environment, it is worth visiting the TME catalog, where you can find a wide range of compatible boards, sensors, power supplies, and electronic components. In particular, we recommend looking into categories such as Arduino Solutions, IoT Modules (WiFi/Bluetooth) and Wires or Arduino Kits – ideal for learning and prototyping.

Compared to other cloud services – such as AWS IoT, Microsoft Azure IoT Hub, or Blynk – Arduino Cloud stands out for its ease of use and integration of all functions in one place. Users do not need to know server architecture or manage infrastructure themselves. Moreover, the free plan allows for the creation of real projects without additional costs.

Key Features and Capabilities

Arduino Cloud offers a set of tools that significantly facilitate the creation, testing, and management of IoT projects. Below we present features that make this platform an attractive choice for hobbyists, educators, and engineers.

Dashboards

Arduino Cloud allows building your own user interfaces in the form of dashboards. They can include various types of graphic elements, such as:

• charts for visualizing historical data (e.g., temperature or humidity)
• buttons and switches for controlling relays or motors
• sliders for smooth adjustment of parameters, e.g., LED brightness
• indicator controls, e.g., thermometers, pressure gauges, status indicators

Creating dashboards is done using the "drag and drop" method, without the need for programming. Importantly, each dashboard can be viewed remotely – from a web browser or the IoT Remote mobile app. This gives the user full control over devices from anywhere in the world.

Cloud Variables and Synchronization

Arduino Cloud is based on the Cloud Variables mechanism, which plays a key role in communication between the microcontroller and the cloud. These variables can represent sensor readings (e.g., light level, temperature) or commands for actuators (e.g., turning on a relay, changing the color of an RGB LED).

The platform automatically handles the synchronization of these variables:

• ensures their real-time update
• saves data history for selected plans
• makes their values available to dashboards, automation, and APIs

Importantly, variables are generated automatically when creating a so-called "Thing" and integrated directly with the sketch code, which greatly simplifies project development.

OTA Updates

The OTA (Over-The-Air) feature allows for wireless software updates of Arduino devices. Thanks to this:

• there is no need to physically connect the device to a computer
• code can be updated remotely, even if the device is in another city or country
• maintaining a fleet of devices becomes easier and more economical

OTA is supported by boards like UNO R4 WiFi, Nano 33 IoT, MKR WiFi 1010, and others with Wi-Fi and appropriate security mechanisms. Firmware updates are performed from a browser or using the Arduino Cloud CLI.

Support for Multiple Devices

Arduino Cloud allows connecting multiple devices to one user account. Supported limits depend on the chosen plan:

• up to 2 devices in the Free plan
• 25 in the Maker plan
• 100+ in team and business plans

Additionally, the platform supports device-to-device communication. This means that data from one microcontroller can be directly used by another – for example, a motion sensor in one room can activate lighting in another. This allows for the creation of complex, mutually cooperating IoT systems without writing complex communication code.

Automations (no-code)

One of the most user-friendly features of Arduino Cloud is the ability to create automations without the need for coding. The platform allows defining simple logical rules in the style of "if something happens, perform a specific action", i.e., classic if-this-then-that scenarios. Such functionality means that even people without programming knowledge can build useful, intelligent systems. An additional advantage of the platform is the Cloud AI Assistant, which helps create sketches, learn, and improve code without the need for extensive knowledge.

Rules can be based on:

• triggers – actions triggered by a variable change, e.g., temperature exceeding a threshold
• schedules – performing planned actions at a specific time, e.g., every day at 7:00
• webhooks – integration with external services (e.g., Google Sheets, IFTTT) or own backend.

Thanks to these tools, fully functional IoT scenarios can be built, such as automatic lighting control, garden watering, fan activation, or sending data to the cloud without the need for coding.

Additionally, the platform supports device-to-device communication. This allows for the creation of systems where one device can control another without user intervention – for example, a motion sensor can turn on a light controlled by another board in the same project. As a result, creating complex distributed systems becomes possible even for those without extensive programming experience.

Compatibility and Integrations

Arduino Cloud is designed with a wide range of devices and application scenarios in mind. Its open architecture allows for operation with both official Arduino hardware and popular third-party microcontrollers. This gives users the flexibility to tailor projects to their own needs and budget.

Supported Devices

The platform supports all modern Arduino boards equipped with Wi-Fi or LTE, including:

• Arduino UNO R4 WiFi
• Arduino Nano 33 IoT
• Arduino Nano ESP32
• Arduino MKR WiFi 1010
• Arduino Portenta H7
• Portenta C33
• Arduino Opta

Additionally, Arduino Cloud supports popular and economical microcontrollers ESP8266 and ESP32, which are often chosen by hobbyists and educators due to their low cost and high availability.

Users can also connect other devices – not natively supported – through manual integration using the MQTT protocol or REST API. This approach allows, for example, the inclusion of one's own controller, SCADA system, or custom sensor into the Arduino Cloud environment. Client libraries are available for languages such as C++, Python, and JavaScript, facilitating the construction of custom solutions.

External Integrations

Arduino Cloud does not operate in a vacuum – the platform supports numerous integrations with external services, allowing for the creation of more advanced and functional IoT systems.

• Integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant enables voice control of devices.
• Support for Node-RED allows for visual programming of operation logic and connecting multiple services.
• Thanks to webhooks, data can be sent to Google Sheets, actions can be triggered through IFTTT, or notifications can be sent to mobile apps.
• Collaboration with Edge Impulse enables the deployment of machine learning models (TinyML) on Arduino boards, e.g., for detecting sounds, gestures, or vibrations.

Thanks to these integrations, Arduino Cloud becomes a central point for the entire IoT project ecosystem – from simple temperature sensors to complex, intelligent systems responding to data from multiple sources. Such flexibility makes the platform suitable not only for beginners but also for professionals looking for a quick way to prototype and test solutions.

Practical Use Cases

To better understand the capabilities of Arduino Cloud, it's worth looking at specific projects that can be realized with its help. The platform is flexible enough to handle both simple devices controlled from a phone and complex industrial monitoring systems. Below we present three real scenarios, showing the diversity of applications.

Project 1 – LED Matrix with Arduino UNO R4 WiFi

This project is a great example to start with – it shows how easily an interactive remote control system can be created. A simple LED matrix is installed on the Arduino UNO R4 WiFi board, which displays a message when a button placed on the Arduino Cloud dashboard is pressed.

• The user creates a logical variable in the cloud and assigns it to a button widget
• In the sketch code, the matrix's reaction to the variable's state change is defined
• The dashboard accessible through a web browser or the IoT Remote app allows triggering the action from anywhere

This solution can be used, for example, to create information boards, simple user interfaces, or educational demonstrations of controlling equipment over the Internet.

Project 2 – Transformer Monitoring (STORM)

In a more advanced industrial application, Arduino Cloud can serve as the central element of a monitoring system. In the STORM project, based on the Arduino platform and IoT sensors, the operating parameters of power transformers were monitored.

• Data from current, temperature, and oil level sensors were collected
• Information was sent to the cloud, where it was presented on interactive dashboards
• The system analyzed the data for anomalies, generated notifications, and supported predictive analytics – helping to predict failures and plan maintenance

Such solutions increase the reliability of infrastructure, allow better energy management, and shorten the response time to potential faults.

Project 3 – Smart Lighting

Arduino Cloud also proves useful in home automation. In the smart lighting project, Arduino Nano 33 IoT boards and relays controlling the power supply to lamps were used.

• Lighting can be controlled manually through the dashboard or mobile app.
• The system automatically responds to changes in conditions – e.g., turns on the light after dark or when a sensor detects motion.
• Time-based automations and if-this-then-that rules were used, allowing for dynamic, user-adapted lighting effects.

This type of installation can be expanded to include additional rooms and functions – e.g., remote dimming of lights, synchronization with music, or voice control through integration with a voice assistant.

The video shows that the Arduino Cloud platform simplifies the creation of Internet of Things (IoT) projects, eliminating the need to connect multiple different services for data collection, remote control, or automation. This process was demonstrated using the Arduino UNO R4 WiFi board. It showed how to start by going to the arduino.cc website and logging into the cloud, then creating a "Thing", defining a control variable, e.g., a boolean named "Benjamin". A key step was connecting and configuring the device by installing the cloud agent, naming the board ("R2-D2") and setting up the Wi-Fi connection. The environment for writing and uploading the sketch (code) directly through the cloud platform was also presented, including the use of built-in functions for connecting to the cloud and configuration files. Next, it showed how to create a dashboard, adding an interface element such as a button, and linking it to the variable defined in the code, allowing for remote control. The video also demonstrated an attempt to remotely control the project (displaying the text "tme.eu" on the LED matrix) using the dedicated mobile app "IoT remote", although it was noted that the system did not work perfectly right away (e.g., the text displayed twice) and required further debugging.

Getting Started with the Platform

Starting with Arduino Cloud is intuitive and does not require advanced technical knowledge. The entire process is designed so that users can launch their first IoT project within a few minutes. The most important issues are access to Wi-Fi, a compatible board, and a mobile device for using the Arduino IoT Remote app. Below we describe five basic steps that allow you to go from registration to full remote control of the device.

1. Registration and Login on the Arduino Cloud Website

The first step is to go to the cloud.arduino.cc website and create a user account. This can be done using an email address or a Google account. After logging in, you gain access to the device management panel, dashboards, and the cloud code editor.

2. Creating a "Thing" – Defining the Device and Variables

After logging in, it's worth starting by creating a so-called Thing, i.e., a digital representation of a physical device. In this step:

• we select the board model, e.g., Arduino UNO R4 WiFi or ESP32,
• we define variables that will be synchronized with the cloud (e.g., button, temperature, humidity),
• we name the project and connect it to the device by installing the Arduino Agent (a plugin for detecting boards).

The platform automatically generates header files containing variable definitions and a configuration file with Wi-Fi settings.

For some boards – currently Arduino UNO R4 WiFi – a new provisioning process is also available directly from the Arduino IoT Remote mobile app. Users can configure the board's connection to the network, link it to the appropriate template, create a Thing, and a basic dashboard from their mobile device, without the need to log into the browser panel. This simplified workflow will gradually be made available for other boards, so it's worth paying attention to the current capabilities in the Arduino Cloud documentation.

3. Uploading Code – Cloud Editor or Own IDE

Arduino Cloud provides a browser-based code editor very similar to the classic Arduino IDE. You can write sketches using standard setup() and loop() functions, as well as special functions responsible for handling cloud variables.

• The editor allows for compilation, verification, and direct uploading of code to the board.
• It is also possible to use a local IDE environment, provided that you use the generated ThingProperties.h and arduino_secrets.h files.

4. Building a Dashboard and Adding Widgets

After finishing programming, it's worth creating a dashboard, i.e., a user interface that allows remote control and monitoring of data from the device. In edit mode:

• we drag and drop widgets such as buttons, sliders, indicators, or charts,
• we assign them to variables defined earlier in the project,
• we test the dashboard's appearance also in the mobile version.

Each dashboard can be saved, shared, and edited at any time.

5. Remote Control with the IoT Remote App

To conveniently access your project on the go, just install the free Arduino IoT Remote app available on Android and iOS. After logging into the same account, dashboards created in the cloud are automatically visible in the app.

This allows you to turn on the light, start a fan, read the temperature, or change the settings of your project from anywhere – without additional configuration. Everything works immediately after uploading the sketch and connecting the device to the Wi-Fi network.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Arduino Cloud offers several subscription plans tailored to different needs – from individual hobbyists to engineering teams and companies implementing IoT systems on a larger scale. This allows users to start working without incurring costs, and as the project develops, it's easy to move to a higher level of services. Detailed information is available here.

Free

The free plan is an excellent choice for beginners who want to test Arduino Cloud in practice. It offers the possibility to connect two devices and access to basic platform features, including cloud variables and dashboards. However, it should be noted that in this plan, OTA updates and project sharing with other users are not available.

Maker

The Maker subscription is the most popular option among hobbyists and educators. It allows for the support of up to 25 devices, remote code uploading (OTA), creating automations, and sharing graphical interfaces. Additionally, the user gains access to advanced statistics, longer data history, and the ability to integrate with external services. The cost of the plan is about 7 USD per month.

Team / Enterprise

For companies and project teams, the Team or Enterprise plan is available, which provides full flexibility and scalability. It allows for managing a group of 100 or more devices, offers advanced security features (including RBAC – roles and permissions), team collaboration in so-called workspaces (Shared Spaces), and the ability to customize the platform's appearance (white-label). Pricing is determined individually based on the needs of the particular client.

Arduino Cloud in Education and Industry

Arduino Cloud is used not only in hobbyist projects but also in education and industry. Thanks to its ease of use, integration with popular tools, and support for remote management, the platform works well both in computer science classes and in companies’ operational activities.

In the educational environment, Arduino Cloud is a tool that supports learning programming, automation, and the basics of electronics. Thanks to integration with Google Classroom, teachers can easily create and share projects, collect students’ work, and assess their progress—all in one place. Students, in turn, can experiment with code and electronics in real time, even remotely. Popular educational projects include, among others:

• weather stations that monitor atmospheric conditions and send data to the cloud,
• Rube Goldberg–type devices, which demonstrate the principles of mechanics and automation in a fun way,
• smart home systems, enabling control of lighting, sensors, and automation.

Such projects teach not only how to use technology but also collaboration and design thinking.

In industry, Arduino Cloud proves useful as a tool for rapid deployment of monitoring and control solutions. In such cases, it helps not only simplify fleet management but also increase operational efficiency and the quality of delivered services. Importantly, all these benefits can be achieved without the need to build a proprietary IT infrastructure.

Comparison with Alternatives

There are many cloud platforms on the market that support IoT projects. Each offers a different set of features, a different approach to the user interface, and a different deployment model. Arduino Cloud stands out primarily due to its ease of use, integration of all elements in one place, and a low entry barrier. Below is a brief comparison with three popular alternatives.

Blynk is a platform valued for its modern and intuitive mobile interface. Its application allows users to create a graphical control panel for an IoT device within minutes. However, compared to Arduino Cloud, it offers fewer possibilities in terms of automation and integration with external services. In practice, this means that more complex scenarios—such as linking multiple devices and conditional operating rules—are more difficult to implement.

Ubidots is a platform aimed more at professionals, with an emphasis on advanced data analytics. It enables the creation of extensive visualizations, reports, and real-time data processing. However, its user interface is less intuitive, which may pose a barrier for beginners or users working in an educational environment. Arduino Cloud, on the other hand, allows users to quickly build a dashboard and connect a device without having to configure the environment from scratch.

AWS IoT is undoubtedly the most extensive and scalable platform among the compared solutions. It provides full control over every aspect of the system—from the hardware layer to integration with Amazon’s cloud services. However, it requires knowledge of cloud architecture, security configuration, roles, and resources, which makes it less accessible to users without experience in IT infrastructure management. Arduino Cloud, while less advanced in terms of scalability, offers a ready-made environment in which users can start working immediately after logging in.

In summary, Arduino Cloud works best where speed of deployment, clarity, and a low entry threshold matter most. It is a platform that combines functionality with accessibility, making it a good choice for teachers and students as well as engineers creating rapid IoT prototypes.

Summary

Arduino Cloud is a tool that effectively lowers the barrier to entry into the world of the Internet of Things, allowing users to focus on the project idea itself rather than its technical backend. Whether you are building a weather station with students or managing a fleet of industrial devices, the platform offers an appropriate set of features—from an online code editor and remote OTA updates to dashboards and no-code automation. Thanks to its clear interface and support for Arduino and ESP32/ESP8266 devices, a project can be launched within minutes, making Arduino Cloud an ideal choice for teachers, students, hobbyists, and engineers.

For those planning to deploy solutions on a larger scale—such as automation in small businesses or environmental monitoring systems—it is worth considering the Maker or Team subscription plans. They provide full platform functionality, including support for multiple devices, advanced dashboards, remote updates, and integrations with services such as Google Sheets, Alexa, IFTTT, and Edge Impulse. Documentation and examples available at https://www.arduino.cc/ help users quickly get up to speed and avoid common mistakes.

When starting your own project with Arduino Cloud, don’t forget to check TME’s offer, where you will find not only boards and sensors, but also Soldering stations, Soldering alloys, and LED power supplies—everything needed to build a functional and durable IoT solution.

References:

1. Arduino. (2024). Arduino Cloud documentation.
2. STMicroelectronics. (2023). Environmental sensors datasheet – SHT35, CCS811.
3. Edge Impulse. (2023). TinyML model deployment for edge devices.
4. W. Ali, M. Asif, M. A. Qureshi, et al. (2022). “IoT-based Smart Transformer Monitoring System for Predictive Maintenance and Fault Detection,” International Conference on Energy and Power Engineering, IEEE.
5. Arduino Project Hub. (2023). Various IoT Applications using Arduino Cloud.
6. Espressif Systems. (2022). ESP32 Technical Reference Manual.
7. AWS IoT Core Documentation. (2023).
8. Blynk Inc. (2023). Blynk IoT platform overview. Retrieved from: www.blynk.io
9. Microsoft. (2023). Azure IoT Hub Documentation.

Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME) is one of the world’s largest global distributors of electronic components, electrotechnical parts, workshop equipment, and industrial automation. The catalog includes over 1,500,000 products from 1,300 leading manufacturers. TME’s modern logistics centers in Łódź and Rzgów (Poland), with a combined area of over 40,000 m², ship nearly 6,000 packages daily to customers in more than 150 countries.

TME also invests in the development of knowledge and skills of young engineers and electronics enthusiasts through the TME Education project, and supports the tech community by organizing the TechMasterEvent series, promoting innovation and experience exchange.