# Thames & Kosmos Sidekick — Robotics Smart Machines

> App to control and program Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines kit. (iPhone/iPad app by Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thames-and-kosmos-sidekick/id1611182142 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/375309682)
- Category: Education, Games
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.40/5 from 22 App Store ratings · 8 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 8 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2022-04-26
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thames-and-kosmos-sidekick/id1611182142/reviews.md

## What is Thames & Kosmos Sidekick?

This app is used to control and program the robot and rover built using the Robotics: Smart Machines – Sidekick kit from Thames & Kosmos.
	
Build and program an amazing robotic buddy! Discover the world of robotics — an exciting, interdisciplinary field combining physics, engineering, and computer science. This kit gives kids a simple, fun, and customizable introduction to robotics. Choose between the four-wheeled rover or the two-wheeled robot Sidekick, and get programming! Transform your Sidekick into its other mode any time you want. 

As soon as your Sidekick is assembled, you can begin programming its movements directly on a built-in keypad. Download the free Sidekick app to unlock all of the Sidekick’s capabilities. 		

You control your Sidekick’s movements, sounds, and even facial expressions. Have fun and drive your Sidekick by remote control or by using your device as a gyroscope. Code programs for your Sidekick using an easy, visual interface or the simulator, which are both included in the app. 

Your Sidekick is tons of fun! It can even play music and dance. Choose from several styles of music and watch your Sidekick bust a move. 

Sidekick’s microcontroller — the robot’s “brain” — has separate inputs for LED lights, a speaker, two motors (left and right), a battery, and an infrared sensor that helps the Sidekick know where it is in the included maze game. As you assemble this robot, you will learn how the Sidekick’s functions relate to each of these elements. 

Learn about the history of robotics and real-word roving explorers and humanoid robots. A full-color, 36-page step-by-step illustrated manual helps kids assemble both of the models and use all of the functions of the app — all while teaching them about robotics in the real world. 

•	Build and code your own robotic pal
•	2-in-1! Transforms from rover to robot and back again!
•	Learn to code! Easy, block-based coding app with dozens of cool functions
•	Program movement, sounds, and facial expressions
•	Remote control and programming modes
•	Includes components for a fun maze game



***** 
Questions or suggestions for improvements: 
Contact us: https://thamesandkosmos.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
We are looking forward to your feedback!

*****

## Key features

- Build and code robotic pal
- Transforms from rover to robot
- Learn coding with block-based interface
- Program movement, sounds, expressions
- Remote control and programming modes
- Includes maze game components

## Recent user reviews (8 of 8)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thames-and-kosmos-sidekick/id1611182142/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Like the object don’t like the app

*2025-12-14*

I got this and the object is great but the app never connects and it is very annoying and frustrating.I don’t think I will ever get it to work disappointment.

### 3/5 — Okay

*2025-08-04*

I would give 5 stars but app doesn’t work, I paid 70$ dollars for a piece of junk. I could make a better engineering kit. Maybe if the company sold good ones they would be better. Trash

### 1/5 — Blue tooth doesn’t work

*2025-07-09*

Very disappointing. Bought this for my 9-year old son. Bluetooth connected for one day and worked for about an hour. Then, it lost Bluetooth connection and never worked again no matter what device we tried to connect from and even with deleting and reinstalling app. Tried every basic troubleshooting technique and none would work for it. Disappointingly, it will need to be returned.

### 1/5 — Terrible

*2025-02-22*

Bluetooth is horrible keeps shutting off by its self

### 5/5 — Love this

*2025-01-02*

I love this bot. It is very cool, and I like the dance mode 
But the axle on the robot raised it to high

### 1/5 — Does not work

*2024-12-26*

This was my Christmas present can’t connect it

### 1/5 — Bluetooth doesn’t work with tablet

*2024-10-27*

I bought this for my 9 year old son for his birthday and disappointingly, the Bluetooth doesn’t work on our iPad. It connects to the phone but for a child that doesn’t have access to a phone, this just won’t be feasible. I had to return it after hours of build time! 
Customer service didn’t even reply our issues.

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work.

*2024-01-25*

I bought the Sidekick robot for my 8 year old son for Christmas, excitedly built it together, and then discovered that the software doesn’t work. I called the company and the representative told me that the software needed to be updated for the latest iPadOS and that should happen in a few days. Well, it’s been a few weeks and there has not been an update. It’s very frustrating because this was the gift my son was most excited about. The representative also told me that he would be sending me a coupon for use of extra features (or something), but that never happened either. Very disappointed!

## Frequently asked questions about Thames & Kosmos Sidekick

### What can I do with the Thames & Kosmos Sidekick app?

The Thames & Kosmos Sidekick app allows you to control and program the robot and rover built from the Robotics: Smart Machines – Sidekick kit. You can program its movements, sounds, and facial expressions, and even play music and dance.

### How do I learn to code with Thames & Kosmos Sidekick?

Thames & Kosmos Sidekick offers an easy, block-based coding interface and a simulator for learning to code. The app includes dozens of cool functions to help you program your robotic pal.

### Does Thames & Kosmos Sidekick have ads?

No, the Thames & Kosmos Sidekick app does not contain advertisements. It is a free application designed for educational play.

### What age is Thames & Kosmos Sidekick suitable for?

The Thames & Kosmos Sidekick app is suitable for children aged 4 and up. The accompanying manual also helps teach about robotics in the real world.

### Can I control the robot using my device's gyroscope?

Yes, you can use your device as a gyroscope to drive your Sidekick. The app also offers a remote control mode for movement.

### What are the different modes for the robot?

The kit allows you to build either a four-wheeled rover or a two-wheeled robot, named Sidekick. You can transform your Sidekick between these modes.

### Does the app include any games?

Yes, the app includes components for a fun maze game. The robot's infrared sensor helps it navigate the maze.

### What is the update frequency for Thames & Kosmos Sidekick?

The app was last updated on April 26, 2022, with version 1.3. Further updates will depend on developer plans and user feedback.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.3 — 2022-04-26

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Thames & Kosmos Sidekick

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Osmo Coding Duo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-coding-duo/id1294444077) | 3.9 (145) | Free | Education |
| [Virtual Reality Human Body!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-reality-human-body/id1633068813) | 3.7 (51) | Free | Education |
| [Bug World by Kodable](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bug-world-by-kodable/id6468519643) | 4.7 (805) | Free | Education |
| [ENGINO kidCAD (3D Viewer)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/engino-kidcad-3d-viewer/id962175208) | 2.7 (51) | Free | Education |
| [Steam Lab VR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steam-lab-vr/id6446786758) | 4.2 (13) | Free | Education |
| [Letter Tiles for Learning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letter-tiles-for-learning/id1314838376) | 3.3 (88) | $19.99 | Education |

## More apps by Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG

- [Gartenvögel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gartenvogel/id433119069)
- [Vögel füttern und erkennen](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vogel-futtern-und-erkennen/id487687713)
- [Die Jägerprüfung](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/die-jagerprufung/id623219378)
- [Catan - Die "Play it smart"-Räuber](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catan-die-play-it-smart-rauber/id667942152)
- [Jagdwetter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jagdwetter/id844053489)
- [Robotics - Smart Machines](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/robotics-smart-machines/id998947235)

All apps by Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG: https://appshunter.io/developer/375309682

## Related topics

[kosmos sidekick](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/kosmos-sidekick) · [thames and kosmos](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/thames-and-kosmos) · [kosmos robotics](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/kosmos-robotics)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*