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App Overview

The Dotbots companion app is the shared control and programming entry point for both the X4 board and Dotbot Flip.

The app works on iPhone, iPad, and macOS, with separate versions available in each App Store.

What the app does​

The app provides the common user experience across supported Dotbots devices:

  • onboarding and connection
  • product-specific controls
  • programming workflows
  • guided assembly and learning flows

While the exact tools differ between products, the core structure of the app stays the same.

Main modes​

The app has four main modes:

  • Build for assembly guidance
  • Play for widget-based controls that the user can edit
  • Code for programming with draw-to-code, Blockly, and MicroPython
  • Learn for lessons, tasks, and missions

There is also a connection button in the app header. If it is crossed out, the app is not currently connected to a robot.

Connecting to a robot​

Open the connection view from the header button.

For Dotbot Flip, the recommended flow is:

  1. Power on the robot.
  2. Wait for the QR code to appear on the robot screen.
  3. Open the connection view in the app.
  4. Scan the QR code.

You can also choose the robot by name from the list of devices in pairing mode.

Scanning the QR code is usually safer in multi-robot environments because it reduces the chance of connecting to the wrong robot.

Home screen​

For most users, the home screen is the fastest way to understand the app:

  • Build is for assembly and repair guidance
  • Play is for direct control and custom controllers
  • Code is for programming
  • Learn is for guided activities

Product differences​

The same app works with both supported products, but what you can do in each mode depends on the device you are connected to.

For example:

  • Dotbot Flip focuses on driving, fighting, arm control, and game-oriented interaction
  • X4 focuses on board-level control, programming, and attached hardware behaviors

Download​

The app is available here: