Comparison

Robotics vs LEGO® TECHNIC® AR

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

LEGO® TECHNIC® AR

Enhance your LEGO Technic building experience with augmented reality. Interact with models through realistic simulations, games, and educational content. Explore vehicles and learn about engineering with interactive AR challenges.

Highlights
  • AR model interaction
  • Realistic sound effects
  • Robotics and engineering learning
  • Racing car simulations
  • Interactive mini-games
  • Life-size model viewing
  • X-ray view
Features
Read full description

Take your LEGO® Technic™ experience to a new level of realism: • Get unique experiences designed especially for each LEGO Technic AR model. • Enjoy realistic sound effects and lifelike features and functions. • Learn about robotics, engineering, rock sampling and more when you combine the AR app with the LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance (42158) model. • Explore LEGO Technic racing cars using the AR app to see the racetrack appear in front of you as you test your racing skills, play mini-games and beat your own record, and see trackside features like pitstops or grandstands appear (dependent on the model you are playing with). • Take the Yamaha MT-10 SP for a test drive in AR with throttle, brakes, gear shifting and driver dashboard, all based on the real Yamaha controls. See how the real vehicle or the LEGO model would look, life-size in your room, or use the x-ray view to see inside the motorcycle. Here are some models you can explore with the AR app… • LEGO Technic Formula E® Porsche 99X Electric (42137) • LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby® GT500® (42138) • LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance (42158) • LEGO Technic Yamaha MT-10 SP (42159) … and the list keeps growing! (Remember that each of these sets is sold separately.) Each of these models comes with its own unique AR experience. Whether it’s the Yamaha MT-10 SP, the Formula E Porsche race car, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 or the NASA Mars Rover Perseverance, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test with augmented realism. Is your device compatible? Please go to LEGO.com/devicecheck to check if your device is compatible. Ask your parents’ permission before going online. For app support, contact LEGO Consumer Service. For contact details, refer to http://service.LEGO.com/contactus Our privacy policy and terms of use for apps are accepted if you download this app. Read more on http://aboutus.LEGO.com/legal-notice/privacy-policy and http://aboutus.LEGO.com/legal-notice/terms-of-use-for-apps LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2023 The LEGO Group. Under license of Porsche AG. Formula E is a trademark of Formula E Holdings Ltd. Ford Motor Company Trademarks and Trade Dress used under license to the LEGO Group. Shelby® and GT500® are registered trademarks of Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. and used under license. NASA Insignia and identifiers provided and used with permission of NASA. JPL logo provided and used with permission of the California Institute of Technology. Yamaha, the Tuning Fork Mark, MT-10 SP and the likeness there of are trademarks of Yamaha Motor Corp., USA & Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd used under license.

Screenshots

Robotics4 screens
LEGO® TECHNIC® AR4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: LEGO® TECHNIC® AR at 72% against Robotics's 13%. LEGO® TECHNIC® AR also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.3) and ratings volume (3.1K vs 239). Robotics's advantage is iOS requirement (10.3 vs 13.0). 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

LEGO® TECHNIC® AR holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LEGO® TECHNIC® AR has 3.1K ratings behind it against 239, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of Robotics's written reviews are positive against 72% of LEGO® TECHNIC® AR's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Robotics ships an update every 5 months, LEGO® TECHNIC® AR every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Robotics versus LEGO® TECHNIC® AR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRoboticsLEGO® TECHNIC® AR
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.3 (239 ratings)4.7 (3.1K ratings) — better
Positive reviews13.1% of reviews72.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2393.1K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS10.3 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB853 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFranckh-Kosmos Verlags GmbH & Co. KGLEGO

Customer experience

Robotics

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

LEGO® TECHNIC® AR

All ratings3,060 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral3.3%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews185 reviews
Positive72.4%
Neutral10.3%
Negative17.3%

User reviews

Robotics

From 239 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎨 Fun and engaging building experience
  • 💡 Creative robotics and coding concepts
  • 👍 Works well on older iOS devices
  • 🎯 Educational value for children

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Bluetooth connection crashes app repeatedly
  • 📱 Incompatible with modern iOS versions and devices
  • ❌ App frequently disconnects mid-use
  • 😕 Confusing and poorly written instructions
  • ⚠️ No customer support or app updates

LEGO® TECHNIC® AR

From 3.1K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Jaw-dropping experience
  • 👍 Realistic racing and AR
  • 🤩 Amazing build experience
  • 💡 Customizable and competitive
  • 🤩 Immersive and engaging

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Scanning issues and glitches
  • 🔋 Battery-intensive
  • 🤔 Limited content and features
  • 🤨 Unnecessary for some users

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

LEGO® TECHNIC® AR

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Freezing and crashing issues
  • Inability to scan or detect models
  • Glitchy track movement and positioning

Requested features

4 requests
  • More compatible LEGO sets
  • Additional tracks and modes
  • Offline or standalone gameplay
  • Improved scanning and stability

In-app purchases

None

Robotics

No in-app purchases

None

LEGO® TECHNIC® AR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Robotics free?
Robotics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is LEGO® TECHNIC® AR free?
LEGO® TECHNIC® AR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Robotics or LEGO® TECHNIC® AR?
LEGO® TECHNIC® AR is rated higher. Robotics averages 2.3 out of 5 from 239 ratings, while LEGO® TECHNIC® AR averages 4.7 from 3.1K ratings.
Do Robotics or LEGO® TECHNIC® AR have ads?
Neither Robotics nor LEGO® TECHNIC® AR shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Robotics or LEGO® TECHNIC® AR?
Robotics ships an update every 5 months, and LEGO® TECHNIC® AR every 2 months. Most recently, Robotics was updated on September 16, 2026 and LEGO® TECHNIC® AR on September 23, 2026.

Other comparisons