--- product_id: 591549567 title: "Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines – HoverBots w/BalanceTech STEM Experiment Kit | Build 8 Self-Balancing Robots | Color Manual & 3D Digital Assembly Instructions | Requires Tablet, Smartphone" brand: "thames & kosmos" price: "R1502" currency: ZAR in_stock: false url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/591549567-thames-and-kosmos-robotics-smart-machines-hoverbots-w-balancetech-stem store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines – HoverBots w/BalanceTech STEM Experiment Kit | Build 8 Self-Balancing Robots | Color Manual & 3D Digital Assembly Instructions | Requires Tablet, Smartphone **Brand:** thames & kosmos **Price:** R1502 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines – HoverBots w/BalanceTech STEM Experiment Kit | Build 8 Self-Balancing Robots | Color Manual & 3D Digital Assembly Instructions | Requires Tablet, Smartphone by thames & kosmos - **How much does it cost?** R1502 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/591549567-thames-and-kosmos-robotics-smart-machines-hoverbots-w-balancetech-stem) ## Best For - thames & kosmos enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted thames & kosmos brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Product Description Build and program amazing robots that balance on two wheels! Discover the world of robotics — an exciting, interdisciplinary field combining physics, engineering, and computer science. This kit gives kids a simple, fun, and customizable introduction to robotics. You can build eight motorized robots that use a special self-balancing technology to move around. Code programs for your robots using an easy, visual programming app on a tablet or smartphone, which connects to the robots via a wireless Bluetooth connection. The robots use a combination of sensors to balance themselves. A gyroscope sensor is used to detect the angle of tilt of the vehicle. An accelerometer is a sensor that detects the acceleration, or change in speed, of the vehicle. Together, these two sensors can tell the microcontroller — the robot’s “brain” — if the vehicle is tilting too far forward or backward and moving too fast forward or backward to remain balanced. Then, sensors attached to the motors, called encoders, can determine the current speed of the wheels. Using the app interface, you can program the robots to move at different speeds and in different directions, and you can program them to light up in various colors and play sounds. Build a HoverBot that balances on two wheels and then transforms into a four-wheeled rover in one quick action. Conduct physics experiments using a swinging pendulum and a balancing bird on top of the robotic base unit. Assemble a robotic waiter that can carry a cup or a soda can, balanced in its basket. Build a target practice robot and try to hit its target as it moves around and stays balanced upright. Create a fun balancing dinosaur robot. Explore center of gravity with an adjustable figure balanced on top of a personal transporter model. Learn about real-world balancing robots like Segways and hoverboards. After learning how the technology works, you can design, build, and program your own robots using the kit’s 227 building pieces. A full-color, 60-page step-by-step illustrated manual helps kids assemble all of the models and teaches them about robotics in the real world. Digital assembly instructions are also available in a separate app for Android or iOS. In the programming app, the visual programming language allows you to command the robots’ lights, sounds, and motors. The motors can be programmed to move at different times, different power levels, in different directions, and in response to the data from the gyroscope sensor. Requires a tablet or smartphone running iOS or Android. Please check the app stores for compatibility and device requirements. Safety Warning Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries.WARNING. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Choking hazard — small parts may be swallowed or inhaled. Keep packaging and instructions as they contain important information.WARNING! Only for use by children aged 8 years and older. Instructions for parents or other supervising adults are included and have to be observed. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B085P27W5K | | Customer reviews | 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (54) | | Item model number | 620383 | | Product Dimensions | 48.51 x 9.65 x 33.02 cm; 1 kg | | Release date | 13 July 2020 | | Studio | Thames & Kosmos | ## Product Details - **Age range (description):** 8+ - **Brand:** Thames & Kosmos - **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 48.5 x 9.7 x 33 centimetres - **Size:** 13 H x 3.8 L x 19.1 W - **Theme:** Robots ## Images ![Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines – HoverBots w/BalanceTech STEM Experiment Kit | Build 8 Self-Balancing Robots | Color Manual & 3D Digital Assembly Instructions | Requires Tablet, Smartphone - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/911pV14pCyL.jpg) ![Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines – HoverBots w/BalanceTech STEM Experiment Kit | Build 8 Self-Balancing Robots | Color Manual & 3D Digital Assembly Instructions | Requires Tablet, Smartphone - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/911SLPnLt8L.jpg) ![Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines – HoverBots w/BalanceTech STEM Experiment Kit | Build 8 Self-Balancing Robots | Color Manual & 3D Digital Assembly Instructions | Requires Tablet, Smartphone - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81SHGXVJYvL.jpg) ![Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines – HoverBots w/BalanceTech STEM Experiment Kit | Build 8 Self-Balancing Robots | Color Manual & 3D Digital Assembly Instructions | Requires Tablet, Smartphone - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81sdIa6382L.jpg) ![Thames & Kosmos Robotics: Smart Machines – HoverBots w/BalanceTech STEM Experiment Kit | Build 8 Self-Balancing Robots | Color Manual & 3D Digital Assembly Instructions | Requires Tablet, Smartphone - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81LauwSECtL.jpg) ## Questions & Answers **Q: Made in China?** A: This item is made in Taiwan. **Q: Can you get the app on a Kendall fire?** A: Unfortunately, the Robotics: Smart Machines app is not available for Kindle devices. The app requires a tablet or smartphone running iOS (iPhone 4S or later, iPad 3 or later, iPod 5 or later) or Android OS (Android 4.3 or later on a device with Bluetooth 4.0 support). **Q: is there any type of warranty?** A: There is a limited 1-year warranty to protect against manufacturer defects. Additional information can be found here: https://thamesandkosmos.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051278433-Thames-Kosmos-Limited-Warranty **Q: are batteries required?** A: Each motor operates on 3-AA batteries. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/591549567-thames-and-kosmos-robotics-smart-machines-hoverbots-w-balancetech-stem](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/591549567-thames-and-kosmos-robotics-smart-machines-hoverbots-w-balancetech-stem) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-09-04*