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Set 51515 Robot Inventor
Mindstorms

Robot Inventor

Robot Inventor is the 2020 MINDSTORMS® set for anyone who wants to build robots and then program them. With 949 pieces you can assemble several different models, each controlled through a companion app. There are no minifigures here, but plenty of Technic pieces, motors and sensors instead.

Set number
51515
Year
2020
Pieces
949
Minifigures
0
Theme
Mindstorms
Different parts
145
What can I build with it?

View the official building instructions at LEGO® ↗

Parts list 145

As BrickLink list (XML)

Import on BrickLink: Wanted → Upload, upload the file (or paste its content), pick a Wanted List and add the parts.

Spare parts (8)

These extra parts come with the set in case one gets lost.

Description

A kit for programmable robots

At the core of the set sits a programmable hub that connects to a smartphone or tablet app over Bluetooth, acting as the brain for a range of robot builds. The 949 pieces can be arranged into different models depending on which instructions you follow, from simple rolling machines to more complex builds with several moving parts. Motors and sensors give each robot the ability to move and react to its surroundings, while the app handles the actual programming. Unlike a typical themed set, the build itself is only half the experience here.

Technic instead of a display model

The building style is quite different from a house or vehicle set: Technic elements such as axles, gears and connectors dominate, producing structures that are sturdy yet designed to move. Anyone who has built a Technic set before will recognise familiar techniques, combined here with the electronic components of the MINDSTORMS® system. Because several models can be built from the same parts, the set stays interesting well beyond the first build, since a finished robot can be taken apart and reassembled into something with a completely different function.

Colours and parts at a glance

Pieces come mainly in black, blue, light bluish grey and white, a functional colour scheme typical of Technic sets rather than a themed palette. The set totals 145 unique parts, noticeably fewer than many themed sets with a similar piece count, since Technic elements are reused many times over. The full parts list on this page shows every element with its colour, so you can search for specific axles, connectors or sensor parts, useful if you are hunting for pieces for your own Technic projects.

Who it suits

Robot Inventor suits anyone who enjoys combining building with technology, from tech-minded children around ten and up to adults interested in robotics. Because programming is part of the concept, getting the most out of the set takes longer than simply following instructions once. Builders after a purely decorative display model may find other lines, such as LEGO® Icons, a better fit. For anyone curious about mechanics and basic programming, though, this set offers a hands-on introduction.

FAQ

How many pieces does set 51515 have?
The set contains 949 pieces across 145 unique parts, with no minifigures included.
What makes Robot Inventor different from a normal set?
Its Technic pieces, motors and sensors can be built into several different robots that are then programmed and controlled through an app.
Who is this set suited to?
Anyone interested in robotics and programming, from tech-minded children to adults, though collectors after a static display model may prefer other themes.

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