Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines Science Kit

Robotics: Smart Machines: Build, Code and Explore with Robots, Ages 8+

Build a robot, give it instructions and see how it responds to the world around it. Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines introduces physics, engineering and computer science through eight motorised models. With 230 building pieces, an ultrasonic sensor and a visual programming app, young engineers can explore how construction and code work together, then create robot designs of their own.

What's Inside

• 230 building pieces for the robot projects.
• Motorised components and an ultrasonic sensor.
• A full-colour, 64-page illustrated manual with step-by-step model-building guidance and information about real-world robotics.

The models are programmed using the Robotics Smart Machines app on a compatible iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, connected to the robot via Bluetooth.

Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

• Eight ways to get building: projects include a two-legged humanoid, stag beetle, crocodile, spy-bot, dual-rotor drone model, robo-dog and robo-dino.
• Make code do something visible: program motor timing, power levels and direction using a visual interface.
• Explore a robot's senses: the ultrasonic sensor sends out sound waves and interprets returning echoes to detect objects. Use that feedback to program responses.
• Give each model its own behaviour: build a humanoid that walks and pivots to avoid obstacles, a beetle that moves forwards or backwards and opens and closes its pincers, or a crocodile that wags its tail until an approaching object triggers its jaws.
• Try different mechanisms: the dual-rotor drone model rotates its rotor blades through 90 degrees.
• Keep creating: after exploring the guided models, use the pieces and programming tools to develop your own robots.

Good to Know Before You Buy

• Recommended for ages 8 and up.
• A compatible iOS or Android smartphone or tablet and the Robotics Smart Machines app are required. Check current app availability and device requirements before buying; the source product information dates this kit to 2015.
• Requires three AA batteries. The supplied description does not confirm whether batteries are included.
• The spy-bot video-streaming activity uses an additional smartphone and tablet; do not assume a camera is built into the kit.
• The drone project is described as a model with moving rotors, not a flying drone.
• The kit offers eight builds, but the source does not confirm that all can be assembled simultaneously.
• Follow the manual's assembly, operating and safety guidance.

Robotics Smart Machines app links

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is Robotics: Smart Machines suitable for?

The kit is recommended for ages 8 and up, introducing robotics through construction, visual programming and sensor-based experiments.

How many models can we build?

The manual guides eight motorised builds. Named examples include a humanoid, stag beetle, crocodile, spy-bot, dual-rotor drone model, robo-dog and robo-dino. You can also explore your own designs.

How do you program the robots?

Use the visual programming app on a compatible smartphone or tablet. A wireless Bluetooth connection sends instructions to the model, letting you control its motors and program reactions to sensor feedback.

What does the ultrasonic sensor do?

It works on a principle similar to sonar: sound waves bounce off objects and return as echoes, allowing the sensor to detect objects in its path. Your program can use that information to change the robot's behaviour.

Do we need a phone, tablet or batteries?

Yes. A compatible iOS or Android smartphone or tablet is required for programming, and the kit requires three AA batteries. Check current app compatibility and whether batteries are supplied before purchase.

Does the spy-bot have a camera, and does the drone fly?

The source describes a video-streaming spy-bot activity using an additional smartphone and tablet, rather than a supplied robot camera. The drone is described as a model with moving rotor blades; flight is not stated.

Who makes it, and is there a building guide?

The kit is from Thames & Kosmos. A 64-page, full-colour illustrated manual explains model assembly and introduces robotics in the real world.

Product Details

• Brand: Thames & Kosmos.
• Product: Robotics: Smart Machines.
• Recommended age: 8+ years.
• Models/experiments: Eight.
• Building pieces: 230.
• Sensor: Ultrasonic.
• Programming: Visual app for compatible iOS or Android devices.
• Connection: Bluetooth.
• Manual: 64 full-colour illustrated pages.
• Listed product dimensions: Approximately 42.7 × 29.2 × 8.1 cm.
• Listed product weight: Approximately 1.36 kg.
• Manual dimensions: Approximately 21 × 29.2 cm.
• Batteries required: Three AA.
• Country of origin: Taiwan.
• Year released: 2015.