Comparison

Robotics vs POWERUP 4.0

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

POWERUP 4.0

Transform paper airplanes into smart, controllable flying machines. Experience smooth, intuitive flight with advanced sensors and dual motors. Master aerobatics, track flight data, and enjoy night flying with optional LEDs.

Highlights
  • On-board flight computer
  • Gyro and accelerometer sensors
  • Dual thrust vectoring motors
  • Auto-looping aerobatics
  • Real-time flight analytics
  • Optional LED lights
  • Wheeled takeoff and landing
Features
Read full description

POWERUP 4.0 is the smartest, most intuitive paper plane kit we’ve ever made. It makes it possible to fly with ease and smoothness in a variety of conditions. Say goodbye to nosedives and choppy flights. We’ve added a new on-board flight computer and 2 new sensors: gyro and accelerometer, combined with 2 thrust vectoring motors. That means flying POWERUP 4.0 is smoother than ever, and can now do all this: That’s right. POWERUP 4.0 can auto-loop. So you can master tricks and awesome aerobatics by simply pressing a button. We’ve added 2 high speed motors to POWERUP 4.0. That means you’ve got double the thrust, additional maneuvering possibilities, and sharper turns. And together with the flight assist, you can fly just about anything Now you can learn to fly like a pro. We’re showing you real-time analytics including heading direction, thrust level and turning angles. We’ve made it a lot easier and way cooler to fly POWERUP 4.0 at night. Optional LED lights will enable you to light up the night - making for awesome visuals and round-the-clock fun. 2 rear wheels and 1 front wheel give your paper plane more style and make for easier takeoff and landing. They also make it possible to launch off of a surface rather than hand-launching. We partnered with the best RC hobby vloggers on the planet – FliteTest! They have put together their incredibly creative minds to develop a foam jet inspired by the F22 for the 4.0. It is made from a special laser cut foam board they created and make in the USA. Intuitive control makes it easy to fly. Simply tilt your phone in the direction you want your plane to fly. It’s really that easy. POWERUP is an incredibly helpful tool when it comes to teaching and learning aeronautics. Students can test multiple designs, analyze their work and improve their planes. Through trial and error, they can understand what makes their plane fly smoother, longer and farther- key lessons in airplane design.

Screenshots

Robotics4 screens
POWERUP 4.04 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: POWERUP 4.0 at 3.8 against Robotics's 2.3. POWERUP 4.0 also leads on review sentiment (45% vs 13%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months). Robotics's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 15.6). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

POWERUP 4.0 holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 241 and 125 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of Robotics's written reviews are positive against 45% of POWERUP 4.0's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Robotics ships an update every 5 months, POWERUP 4.0 every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Robotics versus POWERUP 4.0: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRoboticsPOWERUP 4.0
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.3 (241 ratings)3.8 (125 ratings) — better
Positive reviews13.1% of reviews45.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings241 — better125
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.3 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB143 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFranckh-Kosmos Verlags GmbH & Co. KGTailor Toys LTD

Customer experience

Robotics

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

POWERUP 4.0

All ratings125 ratings
Positive67.2%
Neutral6.4%
Negative26.4%
Written reviews60 reviews
Positive45.0%
Neutral11.7%
Negative43.3%

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

POWERUP 4.0

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Robotics

No in-app purchases

None

POWERUP 4.0

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Robotics free?
Robotics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is POWERUP 4.0 free?
POWERUP 4.0 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Robotics or POWERUP 4.0?
POWERUP 4.0 is rated higher. Robotics averages 2.3 out of 5 from 241 ratings, while POWERUP 4.0 averages 3.8 from 125 ratings.
Do Robotics or POWERUP 4.0 have ads?
Neither Robotics nor POWERUP 4.0 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Robotics or POWERUP 4.0?
Robotics ships an update every 5 months, and POWERUP 4.0 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Robotics was updated on October 29, 2026 and POWERUP 4.0 on October 29, 2026.

Other comparisons