ARC 2026.10.26.00 (Runtime, Free, Pro)

This release brings exciting new capabilities to ARC, including AI Agent integration, support for up to 255 EZB connections, and expanded Blockly programming features. These updates make ARC more intelligent, flexible, and powerful while maintaining compatibility with existing robot projects.

AI Agent Integration

ARC continues to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities with a new framework for communicating with AI agents.

• AI Agent Communication - Introduced a structured communication system that supports messages, images, tool calls, and responses between ARC and AI models.
• Real-Time Streaming - Enhanced the Synthiam AI client to support streaming agent responses, enabling more interactive AI experiences without waiting for an entire response to complete.
• Tool Integration - Added support for MCP (Model Context Protocol) tool definitions, establishing the foundation for AI agents to interact with external tools and robot capabilities.
• Interface Improvements - Updated supporting user interface components to accommodate the new AI functionality.

These enhancements establish the foundation for more sophisticated AI-powered robot interactions, where agents can communicate with ARC and leverage available tools to perform tasks.

Up to 255 EZB Connections

ARC's connection management system has received a significant upgrade, removing previous limitations on the number of EZB connections.

• Expanded Connection Support - ARC now supports up to 255 EZB connections within a single robot project.
• Flexible Connection Management - Connection handling has been updated to accommodate a variable number of EZB devices.
• Updated Connection Interface - Improved connection-related controls and forms to support the expanded connection capabilities.
• Backward Compatibility - Existing robot projects retain legacy connection support, helping ensure older configurations continue to work.

This improvement is especially valuable for complex robots, distributed control systems, and projects requiring communication with numerous microcontrollers or hardware interfaces.

Expanded Blockly Programming

Blockly continues to become more powerful, making advanced robot programming accessible through its visual drag-and-drop interface.

New Network and Data Blocks

• HTTP GET - Retrieve information from web services, APIs, and network-connected devices.
• HTTP POST - Send information to web services and APIs directly from Blockly programs.
• COM Port Management - Additional blocks for interacting with serial communication devices.
• File Operations - New file-handling capabilities for working with data from Blockly programs.

Blockly Improvements

Existing Blockly blocks have also been updated to improve usability and compatibility with ARC's expanded functionality.

These additions make it easier to integrate robots with web services, external hardware, and data-driven applications without requiring traditional programming.

Stability and Build Improvements

Several behind-the-scenes improvements help keep ARC reliable and simplify the release process.

• Updated assembly versions for consistent release identification.
• Improved build scripts with automatic NuGet dependency restoration.
• Updated installer configuration for the latest release.
• Refined supporting components for the new AI and connection management features.

Looking Ahead

With AI Agent integration, expanded hardware connectivity, and more capable visual programming tools, ARC continues to evolve into an increasingly flexible robotics development platform.

ARC 2026.10.26.00 lays the groundwork for more autonomous, AI-assisted robotics while giving developers greater control over increasingly complex robot systems.