Develop Arm automotive software on the System76 Thelio Astra
Introduction
Thelio Astra
Set up an automotive development environment
Arm Automotive Solutions Software Reference Stack
Build the Arm Automotive Solutions Software Reference Stack
Parsec
Run the Parsec demo
Next Steps

  Log an issue

  Fork and edit

  Discuss on Discord

About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  1 hr
Last updated:  26 Jun 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  1 hr
Last updated:
  26 Jun 2026
Author:Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:Neoverse
Tags: Containers and Virtualization Linux Multipass Yocto Docker Git
Author:
  • Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:
Neoverse
Tags:
Containers and Virtualization Linux Multipass Yocto Docker Git

Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for automotive developers interested in local development using the System76 Thelio Astra Linux desktop computer.

What will you learn?

After completing this Learning Path, you'll be able to perform the following tasks:

  • Create an efficient automotive development environment on the System76 Thelio Astra desktop.
  • Build and run the Arm Automotive Solutions Software Reference Stack locally.

Prerequisites

Before starting, you'll need the following prerequisites:

  • A System76 Thelio Astra desktop computer running Ubuntu 24.04.

Summary

AI-assisted

This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
?
You’ll use a System76 Thelio Astra Arm desktop to build and run the Arm Automotive Solutions Software Reference Stack in a local Multipass virtual machine. You’ll start by creating an Ubuntu 20.04 guest, isolating builds, and compiling Yocto-based components targeting a Fixed Virtual Platform that models the Arm Reference Design-1 AE. You’ll review the Thelio Astra platform and the software stack context, then run a Parsec-enabled TLS demo that establishes an HTTPS session to transfer a web page.

Frequently asked questions

AI-assisted

These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

Close
?
Which Multipass install guide should I follow before creating the virtual machine?
Use the Multipass install guide for Arm Linux before starting the steps. This ensures Multipass is set up correctly on the Thelio Astra running Ubuntu.
Which Ubuntu release runs inside the Multipass virtual machine for this build?
The build is performed from the command line of an Ubuntu 20.04 Multipass virtual machine.
Why use a Multipass virtual machine on the Thelio Astra instead of building directly on the host?
A Multipass VM creates an isolated automotive development environment and lets you split the resources of the Thelio Astra between development tasks. It keeps the build and test process contained.
What target platform is used when running the software stack examples?
The examples run on a Fixed Virtual Platform that models the Arm Reference Design‑1 AE (RD‑1 AE) hardware system.
What result should I expect from the Parsec-enabled TLS demo?
The demo establishes an HTTPS session and transfers a simple web page over a TLS connection. Parsec provides the common API to the underlying security and cryptographic services used by the demo.
Next