Comparison

Robotics vs MiP Arcade

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Remote-control mode
  • Visual sensor data display
  • Script and save programs
  • Preloaded robot programs
  • Visual programming language
  • Sensor-triggered program segments
Features
Read full description

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 *****

About

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.

Highlights
  • Arcade Mode with multiplayer games
  • Brain Train Mode puzzles
  • Remote Control driving
  • Programmed dance moves
  • Score tracking and leaderboards
  • Bluetooth and GestureSense technology
Features
Read full description

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

Robotics4 screens
MiP Arcade4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Robotics ships an update every 5 months, MiP Arcade fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Robotics versus MiP Arcade: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRoboticsMiP Arcade
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.3 (239 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews13.1% of reviews38.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings239 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.39.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB1.1 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFranckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. KGWowWee Group Limited

Customer experience

Robotics

All ratings239 ratings
Positive28.5%
Neutral7.5%
Negative64.0%
Written reviews84 reviews
Positive13.1%
Neutral4.8%
Negative82.1%

MiP Arcade

All ratings63 ratings
Positive58.7%
Neutral1.6%
Negative39.7%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive38.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative61.5%

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
Show 5 more
  • 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 more
  • 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

None

Robotics

No in-app purchases

None

MiP Arcade

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Robotics free?
Robotics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MiP Arcade free?
MiP Arcade is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Robotics or MiP Arcade have ads?
Neither Robotics nor MiP Arcade shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Robotics or MiP Arcade?
Robotics ships an update every 5 months, and MiP Arcade fortnightly. Most recently, Robotics was updated on October 7, 2026 and MiP Arcade on October 20, 2026.

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