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Thames & Kosmos Robotics Workshop Model Building & Science Experiment Kit | Build & Program 10 Robots with Ultrasonic Sensors | Program & Control with App for iOS & Android

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 104 ratings

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Brand Thames & Kosmos
Theme Robotics
Age Range (Description) Kid
Item Dimensions LxWxH 16.8 x 3.2 x 11.5 inches
Item Weight 3.2 Pounds

About this item

  • Build and program Robots with this compete robotics engineering system
  • Robots can be controlled directly in real-time!
  • Build an ultrasound robot that can avoid obstacles
  • 64-Page, full-color manual features step-by-step illustrated building instructions
  • The core controller features a Bluetooth connection to tablets and smartphones and a USB connection to a PC

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Thames & Kosmos Robotics Workshop Model Building & Science Experiment Kit | Build & Program 10 Robots with Ultrasonic Sensors | Program & Control with App for iOS & Android


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Product Description

Build and program robots with this compete robotics engineering system. Using sensors, motors, a core controller, and hundreds of snap-together building pieces, you can follow the instructions to assemble 12 different robots. The versatile parts also allow you to make robots according to your own designs. This fun robotics curriculum starts out with instructions for building simple robots, teaching you how the sensors can be used to control the robots. Build an ultrasound robot that can avoid obstacles, a line Tracker robot, a touch sensor robot, and a doodling robot. Move on to more complex robots that have multiple functions, such as a ball-manipulating robot, a crawling robot, and a grabbing robot. Finally build some functional, helpful robotics including an automated door-opening robot and a protected robotic safe to store your valuables. After you have mastered all of the robotic models in the instructions, You will have the tools and knowledge you need to go on and build and program your own amazing robotic creations. The robots can be controlled directly in real-time and programmed to perform series of commands using an easy-to-use, free downloadable app on tablets and smartphones. The app wirelessly connects to the core controller using a Bluetooth low energy connection. You can create more complex programs using the open source visual block programming editor "Google blocks" On a PC with a USB connection to the core controller. The app requires a tablet or smartphone running iOS or Android. A 96-page, full-color manual Features step-by-step illustrated building instructions and instructions for how to program and operate the models. Using the core controller, The ultrasonic sensor is able to detect an object and measure its proximity. Core controller your robot's brain! The core controller Features a Bluetooth connection to tablets and smartphones and a USB connection to a PC. You can download programs from your devices to the core controller.

Important information

Safety Information

Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries.


From the brand


From the manufacturer


About Thames & Kosmos

Thames & Kosmos was founded in 2001 with the mission of improving informal science education outside of the classroom by publishing high-quality science kits for children of all ages. T&K's mission has since expanded from its STEM roots to encompass other educational branches as well, including arts and crafts and the panoply of thinking and social skills that can be taught through games and magic.

T&K places an emphasis on teaching concepts and skills through tactile processes. Our vision is to give all children access to real, physical activities and projects that teach them how things work.

Robotics Workshop

Intro to Robot Design

Build and program robots with this complete robotics engineering system. Using sensors, motors, a core controller, and hundreds of snap-together building pieces, you can follow the instructions to assemble ten different robots. The versatile parts also allow you to make robots according to your own designs.

The robots can be controlled directly in realtime and programmed to perform series of commands using an easy-to-use, free downloadable app on iOS or Android tablets and Windows PCs. A 64-page, full-color manual features step-by-step illustrated building instructions explaining how to program and operate all of the robot models.

  • Ages 10 and up
  • 64-page, full-color manual
  • 306 pieces
  • 10 models
  • For use with iOS and Android devices (sold separately)

The Robotic Components

The kit comes with all the building pieces you'll need to create your robots and to get them to work. An ultrasound sensor acts as your robot's eyes, allowing it to gauge distance and avoid obstacles in its path. A light sensor helps the robot detect light intensity, while a touch sensor acts as your robot's fingers, allowing it to 'feel' things in front of it! Two separate motors connect to axles and motor shafts to turn gears and wheels, activating your robot with precise movements. The CB1 Core Controller is your robot's brain, ears, and voice: it wirelessly connects to the app on your tablet (sold separately). It provides power to the motors and transmits inputs from the sensors to the program being run on the robot.

The Models

Robotics Workshop comes with all the parts to build 10 different robots: an ultrasonic turtle robot, touch sensor robot, drawing robot, claw-arm robot, ball-shooting robot, light-tracking robot, ultrasonic walking robot, butler robot, scorpion robot, and even a robotic arm! After you've built a model, you can use the free downloadable app to program your creation to walk and move using a tablet or Windows PC (sold separately)!

The Manual

The 64-page, full-color manual provides more than just instructions for assembling the 10 models in the kit. Kids will also learn about the science behind ultrasound; how certain animals use echolocation to hunt and find their way in the dark; how the human eye contains special mini-sensors, called sensory cells, which allows us to detect light; and much more. The manual also provides an easy-to-follow overview of the CB1 Blockly App, with instructions and guidelines for modifying the existing demo programs to help you figure out how you can move forward to write your own programs!

The App

CB1 Blockly, the app for Robotics Workshop, is a visual programming tool built using the open-source Google Blockly library. The app uses visual blocks of code that can be easily inserted, moved around, configured, and deleted. The goal is to make it easy to write programs to command the robots you build with this kit, so that you can get them to do what you want them to do! The app is easy-to-use and free to download on iOS or Android tablets and Windows PCs.

Writing Programs

Kids get an introduction to programming with this kit. They can write their own programs in the app, or use one of the pre-loaded demo programs to get their models up and running. The demo programs give kids a helpful look at how the Google Blockly language works so that they can go on to build and program their own robotic creations!

Quality Assurance & Customer Satisfaction

Thames & Kosmos is committed to providing quality products that users can enjoy and learn from for a long time. Our customer service department is available to troubleshoot any problems that may arise while using our kits, and replacement parts are also available. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We love our products and want you to have the best possible experience with them!

What's in the box

  • Ultrasound Sensor^ Speaker^ Core Controller^ Regular Motor^ Servo Motor^ Touch Sensor^ Light Sensor^ Ultrasound Sensor^ (252) Assorted Plastic Snap together Construction Pieces^ Construction Manual
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    Customer reviews

    3.9 out of 5 stars
    3.9 out of 5
    104 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers have expressed negative opinions about the performance of the science fundamentals kit. For example, they mention that the app doesn't work and won't install on any devices. Opinions are mixed on the instructions and condition.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    9 customers mention6 positive3 negative

    Customers are mixed about the instructions. Some mention that the instructions are well written and easy to follow, while others say that they are not very clear.

    "10 types of variable assemble, good age appropriate, detailed manual." Read more

    "This is a good product, only complaint is the user manual. There is not enough info on how to code your robot to do different things...." Read more

    "...Fun to build but hard to get working- Instruction book is large and well done" Read more

    "...To summarize:Pros: - Programming is easy if you know scratch. My son is proficient there. - Looks nice..." Read more

    4 customers mention2 positive2 negative

    Customers are mixed about the condition of the science fundamentals kit. Some mention it's in great condition, while others say that the construction is poor and the models are not built for durability. Some customers also mention that the motors are weak and the connectors are flimsy.

    "...Instruction book is large and well done" Read more

    "...to either of my support requests - Weak Motors - Flimsy connectors - Spotty Bluetooth - Must be connected to..." Read more

    "Great condition, great product! Our child loves this, and instructions are well written so a child can follow them!" Read more

    "Tried and returned, very disappointing. Construction is poor and end results unsatisfying." Read more

    5 customers mention0 positive5 negative

    Customers have a tough time getting the robots to work. They say the app doesn't work and the program for the first project is not complete. They also mention that rebooting didn't help.

    "...Fun to build but hard to get working- Instruction book is large and well done" Read more

    "...It worked for a few test runs then stopped working. Rebooting did not help. However, the second unit works fine...." Read more

    "...devices .. 3 Android (2 phones, chrome book) and 1 iphone .... Nothing worked.y son was really disappointed... And I was going to use it as a..." Read more

    "...devices in our home (tablets, phones, computers) but it will not install on any of them, including the specific devices it said on the product..." Read more

    my 12 yr old son loved it + 3 WARNINGS
    4 Stars
    my 12 yr old son loved it + 3 WARNINGS
    My 12 yr old son is in 6th grade and his science teacher gave an open project to the class where they can explore and work on anything that interest them. My son loves to program in MIT Scratch so he wanted take it further and work on building a robotic that he can program so after doing some research, we purchased this.He worked with 2 of his friends and they came over once a week to work on the project for several weeks.At first, they wanted to design and build something from scratch rather than building one of the sample robots provided with instruction but they soon realized that it would be a daunting task and would take too long to understand all the intricate parts so they scratched that idea (PUN intended) and decided to build one of the sample robots and tweak it afterwards.Let me tell you that these three 6th graders had a blast working on this project and it was kind of fun for me to watch them discuss, brainstorm, and build this thing together.They were able to build a robot that randomly moves and rotates before shooting a plastic ball, which they had to program using a block-based code similar to MIT Scratch. They downloaded the coding app to the iPad and their custom code was sync to the robot's control module via Bluetooth wireless.Overall, they enjoyed the experience and it was a great learning experience from so many different aspects, such as team work, collaboration, brain storming, programming, figuring things out on their own, etc.However, I would like to share things that are not so obvious from the product description as sort of warnings so you know what you are getting into before purchasing this.• The recommended age is 10+ and I agree 100%. These are more than advanced Lego pieces so if your child is not so good with Lego blocks or building stuff, this may be too complex.• The small connector that connects pieces together is very difficult to remove once it's been connected. Even adult couldn't remove it bare hand and I had to teach the kids to use pliers to remove it with gentle grip so it won't crack or break the plastic connector.• The product description indicates that robots can be controlled directly in real-time but this is not true. Don't think of it as a remote controlled robot but rather you have to program how you want it to move then sync/upload the updated code to the robot's control module via Bluetooth before the change that can effect.If you are okay with the 3 warnings above then I recommend this product. It sure beats and better than your kids playing on XBOX all day. I do like that there's hardware as well as software/coding aspects in this product.Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2017
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2019
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars my 12 yr old son loved it + 3 WARNINGS
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2019
    My 12 yr old son is in 6th grade and his science teacher gave an open project to the class where they can explore and work on anything that interest them. My son loves to program in MIT Scratch so he wanted take it further and work on building a robotic that he can program so after doing some research, we purchased this.

    He worked with 2 of his friends and they came over once a week to work on the project for several weeks.
    At first, they wanted to design and build something from scratch rather than building one of the sample robots provided with instruction but they soon realized that it would be a daunting task and would take too long to understand all the intricate parts so they scratched that idea (PUN intended) and decided to build one of the sample robots and tweak it afterwards.

    Let me tell you that these three 6th graders had a blast working on this project and it was kind of fun for me to watch them discuss, brainstorm, and build this thing together.

    They were able to build a robot that randomly moves and rotates before shooting a plastic ball, which they had to program using a block-based code similar to MIT Scratch. They downloaded the coding app to the iPad and their custom code was sync to the robot's control module via Bluetooth wireless.

    Overall, they enjoyed the experience and it was a great learning experience from so many different aspects, such as team work, collaboration, brain storming, programming, figuring things out on their own, etc.

    However, I would like to share things that are not so obvious from the product description as sort of warnings so you know what you are getting into before purchasing this.

    • The recommended age is 10+ and I agree 100%. These are more than advanced Lego pieces so if your child is not so good with Lego blocks or building stuff, this may be too complex.

    • The small connector that connects pieces together is very difficult to remove once it's been connected. Even adult couldn't remove it bare hand and I had to teach the kids to use pliers to remove it with gentle grip so it won't crack or break the plastic connector.

    • The product description indicates that robots can be controlled directly in real-time but this is not true. Don't think of it as a remote controlled robot but rather you have to program how you want it to move then sync/upload the updated code to the robot's control module via Bluetooth before the change that can effect.

    If you are okay with the 3 warnings above then I recommend this product. It sure beats and better than your kids playing on XBOX all day. I do like that there's hardware as well as software/coding aspects in this product.

    Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions.
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    27 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2020
    One person found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2017
    Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )Verified Purchase
    15 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2016
    Customer image
    1.0 out of 5 stars Get a nice Arduino kit, you will be happier.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2016
    At this point I do not know if the unit is defective of if the Blockly programming IDE is buggy. Tried to connect the robot on 3 different computers using the USB cable and 2 android devices using Bluetooth. Only 1 device was able to talk to the robot through Bluetooth. That lasted for few minutes until the robot started spinning its wheels for no reason and was turned off. When it was turned back on the Bluetooth connection could not be regained. My son was terribly disappointed at the failures especially after being extremely excited unwrapping this on Christmas morning.

    A support ticket was filed with Thames and Kosmos this morning so hopefully the company will reach out and fix the problem quickly. I will adjust my review when that happens.

    --- Continuation ---

    After two unanswered requests to Thames and Kosmos for help I finally went through Amazon. They shipped me a replacement right away and it arrived the next day. Here is the continuation of my review.

    Doing some research I found that the USB connection requires a driver to work. The VCD Driver from ftdichip.com is required but not included nor mentioned in the manual. I do want to clarify that the driver was installed for the first unit. It worked for a few test runs then stopped working. Rebooting did not help. However, the second unit works fine.

    Now I'm excited. Time to get the first project running, the Ultrasonic Turtle. Well it keeps going forward running into everything in its path until it runs out of cable. There's two problems here. First, when running with the USB it has to be connected at all times. Second, the program for the first project is not complete in that it does not even use the ultrasonic sensor! It just goes forward and stop after a 10 count. That's it (See the attached photo, it's the same as in the manual). Ok, time to put my programming skills to the test and write my own code. Simple code that continuously loops moving the robot forward while the sensor has a reading > 20 otherwise it will turn right. It ran like it should except that the reading from the ultrasonic sensor bounced sporadically to 0. This caused the program to go run the turn subroutine for no reason. This was while it was propped up with its wheels off the table due to the limited length of the cable.

    I put the robot on a tile floor and connected with Bluetooth on my Android tablet. It runs. Until the grout line. The motors cannot even get the robot over a 1/4" grout line. Even with fresh batteries. the one time it did go over, the back rolling ball bearing got stuck and popped off. Granted it's an oversized lego but these models are not build for durability.

    What I thought would be a great experience for my son turned into a huge disappointment. He is a big fan of Arduino and they do exactly what you program them to without having to be controlled by a computer or tablet.

    To summarize:

    Pros:
    - Programming is easy if you know scratch. My son is proficient there.
    - Looks nice

    Cons:
    - Need special drivers for USB - not included and if you do not know how to admin windows you will not get this to work.
    - First unit was a dud.
    - Thames and Kosmos has not replied to either of my support requests
    - Weak Motors
    - Flimsy connectors
    - Spotty Bluetooth
    - Must be connected to computer or tablet to run.

    Sorry Thames and Kosmos, you should have done better testing with this one. It's not ready for prime time.
    Images in this review
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    68 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2017
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2023

    Top reviews from other countries

    P M Fenton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent educational present for an 11-year old boy
    Reviewed in Italy on January 5, 2021
    aj
    1.0 out of 5 stars didnt work
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2021
    One person found this helpful
    Report