Robotics vs MiP Arcade
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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 *****
MiP Arcade
Transform your home into an arcade with this app, unlocking over 20 games and modes for a self-balancing robot. Enjoy multiplayer challenges, brain-training puzzles, remote control driving, and custom dance programming. Track your progress and compete with friends.
- Arcade Mode with multiplayer games
- Brain Train Mode puzzles
- Remote Control driving
- Programmed dance moves
- Score tracking and leaderboards
- Bluetooth and GestureSense technology
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Introducing MiP™ Arcade: the evolution of WowWee's award-winning robot that brings the game room to your home. Discover everything your MiP™ Arcade can do at miparcade.com. Just unboxed your new MiP™ Arcade? Download the MiP™ Arcade app to unlock 20+ games and modes including: NEW! Arcade Mode: Challenge friends and family with multiplayer games! • Basketball Versus - Take turns shooting hoops with 2 players! Who will win? • Tray Pancake Stack - Balance objects on MiP™ Arcade's tray. Stack up and take turns to score. NEW! Brain Train Mode: Test your mind, memory, and reflexes! Includes games like: • Reaction Game: How fast can you react? Follow the app to tap MiP™ Arcade's head, spin each of his wheels, or shake him quick! But be careful, it gets harder the longer you play! • Padlock: How quickly can you spin MiP™ Arcade's wheels to unlock the virtual padlock? It's a race against the clock! • Color Match: Match colors in the app to MiP™ Arcade's chest light. How many colors can you match before time runs out? • Shake Shake: Shake MiP™ Arcade as fast as you can! The more you shake MiP™ Arcade, the higher the virtual shake meter fills up. Can you complete before time runs out! RC Mode • Drive - Drive MiP™ Arcade around with either single or dual joystick control. Awesome Dance Moves with Tap Trax! • Use the MiP™ Arcade app to program MiP's dances and watch him move to the beat! Game On! Play, Unlock, and Level Up! • Keep track of of your scores with the MiP™ Arcade Leaderboard! Enhanced Gameplay with More Accessories! • MiP™ Arcade comes fully loaded top-tier tech like Bluetooth and GestureSense™ technology and keeps you playing non-stop with new accessories! • Each MiP™ Arcade self-balancing robot comes with 1 tray attachment, 1 hoop attachment, 3 MiP™ Arcade basketballs.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: MiP Arcade at fortnightly against Robotics's every 5 months. MiP Arcade also leads on review sentiment (38% vs 13%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Robotics ships an update every 5 months, MiP Arcade fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Robotics | MiP Arcade |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.3 (239 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 13.1% of reviews | 38.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 239 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 | 9.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 53 MB | 1.1 GB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KG | WowWee Group Limited |
Customer experience
Robotics
MiP Arcade
Bugs and 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
MiP Arcade
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Robotics
No in-app purchases
MiP Arcade
No in-app purchases








