Comparison

Merge Explorer vs Robotical

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Merge Explorer

Explore over 100 interactive science simulations using a smartphone and a Merge Cube. Investigate volcanoes, sharks, the solar system, and more with hands-on activities and quizzes. Ideal for K-8 students learning science at school or home.

Highlights
  • Over 100 science simulations
  • Interactive Merge Cube experiences
  • Hands-on learning activities
  • Built-in quizzes
  • NGSS-aligned K-8 curriculum
  • Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Science topics
Features
Read full description

PLEASE NOTE: This app requires a Merge Cube and a smartphone or a tablet to experience. Find out how to get a Merge Cube and learn more at: https://www.MergeCube.com. Students can learn science effectively with over 100 science simulations they can touch, hold and interact with! Merge Explorer (along with a Merge Cube) allows students to investigate a smoking volcano in the palm of their hand, examine a great white shark up close, hold and explore the solar system, dissect a frog (humanely!), and so much more. With easy-to-follow activities and built-in quizzes, students gain key knowledge while immersed in learning, both in the classroom or while remote learning at home. Merge Explorer includes NGSS-aligned topics for K-8th grade, like Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science. If you have any questions or suggestions, we want to hear from you! Contact us at any time at support@mergeedu.com. Privacy Policy: https://MergeEdu.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://MergeEdu.com/terms-of-use

About

Robotical

Features
Read full description

====Important: This app requires an additional 30MB download after installation to access all features.===== The Robotical app is the new home for controlling and coding your Robotical devices. This app lets you connect, control, and code with both Marty the Robot and Cog in one seamless, hassle-free experience. Whether you are just getting started or expanding your Robotical setup, everything you need is now in one place. With built-in activities and a structured learning journey, the app makes it easy to move from first coding steps to more advanced projects. Key Features: Control Marty and Cog Connect and control both Marty the Robot and Cog directly from the app, with a smooth and intuitive interface. Built-in activities Get started quickly with guided activities designed to help you explore features, learn coding concepts, and build confidence. Designed for learning The app introduces coding concepts in a clear and accessible way, with a device-based approach that supports a structured learning progression without requiring prior experience. Blocks Jr offers a simple, visual introduction to coding, where you can control Marty and Cog alongside on screen sprites with simple icon-based blocks. Then students can move to Marty Controller to learn sequencing with Marty. And as learners progress, Blocks unlocks more advanced tools, allowing you to control multiple Marty and Cog devices, and explore AI and machine learning using sound, image, and gesture models. The Sensor Dashboard allows students to explore real-world data with Marty’s sensors. Cog Games adds a further layer of gamified learning, helping reinforce key concepts through play based challenges that encourage sustained engagement with STEM learning. Important Information: New app experience This is the latest Robotical app, offering improved performance, new features, and support for both Marty the Robot and Robotical Cog. The previous Robotical app is still available, but it is no longer being updated with new features. For the best experience, we recommend moving to this new app.

Screenshots

Merge Explorer4 screens
Robotical4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Robotical at none against Merge Explorer's 4. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Robotical asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, Robotical fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Merge Explorer versus Robotical: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMerge ExplorerRobotical
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (279 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings279 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size1.3 GB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMerge AppsRobotical Ltd

Bugs and requests

Merge Explorer

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • App crashes on iPad
  • App crashes when pressing play
  • Camera not working in app
  • Black screen when using cube or camera
  • VR function broken
Show 8 more
  • VR doesn't work with iPhone XS Max
  • App crashes or loads forever
  • Problems with galactic explore
  • App has trouble recognizing the cube
  • Screen recording only records cube, not overlay
  • Words appear sideways in horizontal mode
  • Content appears incorrectly
  • App crashes

Requested features

9 requests
  • Make the app free to play
  • Add more fun things, not just learning
  • Bring back the fun apps (time bomb, block courses)
  • Allow users to create their own games for the merge cube
  • Add a way to reset quizzes for class sets of devices
Show 4 more
  • Improve functionality for remote teaching, including screen recording
  • Add more content in the future
  • Add dark mode option
  • Add advanced analytics dashboard

Robotical

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Merge Explorer

Subscriptions4
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Explorer Premium Monthly14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Explorer Premium Annual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
None

Robotical

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Merge Explorer free?
Merge Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Robotical free?
Robotical is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Merge Explorer or Robotical have ads?
Neither Merge Explorer nor Robotical shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Merge Explorer or Robotical?
Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, and Robotical fortnightly. Most recently, Merge Explorer was updated on September 29, 2026 and Robotical on September 21, 2026.

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