Wi vs Robotics
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Wi
Control your model railroad with an iOS device. This app offers comprehensive and innovative control for M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS) and can also manage TMCC® and Legacy® engines. It's designed for ease of use, allowing you to run multiple trains and control accessories.
- Comprehensive model railroad control
- Run MTH ProtoSound 2.0/3.0 locomotives
- Control Atlas O® ProtoSound 3.0
- Cross-platform control (TMCC®, Legacy®)
- Run multiple trains simultaneously
- Control switches and accessories
- Immersive sound and control features
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Control you entire model railroad from any iOS phone or tablet in this simple to use yet feature rich app! The M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS) is the most comprehensive and innovative model train control system available. While, at the same time, the easiest to set up and use! You’ll be running your trains in just a few minutes after installing the Wi-Fi DCS app and connecting to any one of several M.T.H. DCS track interface units. The DCS system is capable of running conventional AC or DC powered model trains utilizing track power controls as well as the ultimate experience of full featured MTH ProtoSound 2.0 or 3.0 and Atlas O® ProtoSound 3.0 locomotives. In addition, DCS is the only cross-platform model railroad control system. When cabled to a Lionel® command base DCS also runs TMCC® and Legacy® engines all within the same app, on the same track, at the same time!! No other system has this capability. The DCS app is compatible with our entry level system, the DCS Explorer for those just starting their journey into model railroading. For more advanced users, the DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WIU) in combination with the Track Interface Unit (TIU) or, the all new Wi-Fi Track Interface Unit (WTIU) opens up the vast array of features available within the world of DCS. Run multiple trains simultaneously on the same track, control switches and accessories, and immerse yourself in the depth of sound and control features that is Wi-Fi DCS. Simply the best way to run YOUR railroad!!
Robotics
Control and program robotic models built with specific engineering kits. Utilize Bluetooth connectivity and a visual programming language to script motor movements, sounds, and pauses based on sensor feedback. Includes preloaded programs for various robot models.
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Remote-control mode
- Visual sensor data display
- Script and save programs
- Preloaded robot programs
- Visual programming language
- Sensor-triggered program segments
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For use with the engineering kits “Robotics: Smart Machines”, “Robotics: Smart Machines - Rovers & Vehicles Edition”, and “Robotics: Smart Machines - Tracks & Treads Edition” by Thames & Kosmos. This app is the “brain” of the robotic models you build with the Robotics: Smart Machines kits. The app uses the feedback from the models’ ultrasonic sensor together with programmed commands to control the models. App Features • Connect to your models via Bluetooth connection. • Remote-control mode lets you directly control the models’ two motors forward and backward. • Remote-control mode gives you a visual display of the object distance readings from the ultrasound sensor. • Programming mode lets you script and save programs. • Seven programs (Programs 1-7) are preloaded to work specifically with seven of the robot models in the “Robotics: Smart Machines” kit. Eight programs (Programs 9-16) are preloaded to work specifically with eight of the robot models in the “Robotics: Smart Machines - Rovers & Vehicles Edition” kit. Eight programs (Programs 17-24) are preloaded to work specifically with eight of the robot models in the “Robotics: Smart Machines - Tracks & Treads Edition” kit. • A simple, visual programming language lets you program motors, sounds, and pauses. • Different program segments can be set to run upon first run and then when the ultrasound sensor detects objects at different distances from the model. • Use the 60-page or 64-page, step-by-step illustrated manual included in either kit to learn how to use all of the programming features. ***** Suggestions, feature requests, or questions? We look forward to your feedback! Mail to: support@thamesandkosmos.com Updates and news on www.thamesandkosmos.com *****
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Wi at 3.9 against Robotics's 2.3. Wi also leads on review sentiment (36% vs 13%). Robotics's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (241 vs 27). 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
Both are free to download. Wi sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Robotics asks for nothing beyond the download.
Wi holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Robotics has 241 ratings behind it against 27, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of Wi's written reviews are positive against 13% of Robotics's.
Wi ships an update every 3 months, Robotics every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Wi | Robotics |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (27 ratings) — better | 2.3 (241 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 36.1% of reviews — better | 13.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 27 | 241 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 5 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 10.3 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 53 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mike's Train House, Inc. | Franckh-Kosmos Verlags GmbH & Co. KG |
Customer experience
Wi
Robotics
Bugs and requests
Wi
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Robotics
Reported bugs
10 issues- App crashes when pressing Bluetooth button
- Bluetooth fails to connect on iOS 13+ and iPhone 13
- App disconnects during use and won't reconnect
- App freezes and becomes unresponsive
- Bluetooth button stays grey and non-functional
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- App incompatible with 64-bit Apple requirements
- Programming features don't execute properly
- Robot falls apart when custom designs are used
- Motor only works in reverse direction
- Distance sensor readings not detected by app
Requested features
9 requests- Update app for iOS 13+ and modern iPhone compatibility
- Add external control option without Bluetooth dependency
- Improve app stability and connection reliability
- Provide clearer, more detailed instructions
- Add more coding options and programming features
Show 4 moreShow fewer
- Implement proper customer support system
- Add camera functionality documentation for spy bot variant
- Improve robot speed performance
- Add easy power-off mechanism
In-app purchases
Wi
- Standard$4.99
- Premium Upgrade$19.99
- Premium$24.99
Robotics
No in-app purchases









