When was Mindstorms NXT released?

The first NXT kit, Mindstorms NXT (8527-1), came out in 2006. The updated Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547-1) followed in 2009, and EV3 replaced the system in 2013.

Which sensors came with the original NXT kit?

Set 8527-1 included a touch sensor, a sound sensor, a light sensor and an ultrasonic sensor, plus three motors with built-in rotation sensors.

Why do some NXT sets have only a handful of pieces?

Many entries in this theme are single electronic components or cable packs, such as 8528-1 with 3 pieces or 8529-1 with 7. They were sold individually to extend or repair a system.

NXT

Sets: 44
Since: 1996
Newest set: 2013

NXT was the Mindstorms generation that brought Bluetooth and motors with built-in rotation sensors to programmable building. Our catalogue places 44 sets in this theme, dated from 1996 to 2013.

Sets per decade

Sets per year

44 sets

2010s

2000s

1990s

About NXT

Robots for the home and the classroom

The NXT system was sold both as a retail product and through the education channel, and this theme reflects both. Families bought a single boxed kit and built the robots shown in the instructions, while schools combined a base set with extra element packs so that several groups could work in parallel. Many robotics clubs and competitions used NXT for years, which is why so many spare motors, sensors and cables were sold separately.

From the first kit to the resource set

Mindstorms NXT (8527-1) arrived in 2006 with 579 pieces, three servo motors and touch, sound, light and ultrasonic sensors. Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547-1) followed in 2009 with 621 pieces, a colour sensor in place of the light and sound sensors and a second touch sensor. The largest set in the theme is the Mindstorms Education Resource Set (9695-1) from 2010 with 819 pieces, a supplement of extra beams, gears and connectors for bigger classroom builds rather than a stand-alone robot kit.

The brick at the centre of it all

Every model revolves around the NXT brick, a programmable unit with a small screen, four sensor ports and three motor ports. The bundled software lets you drag and connect graphical blocks, and enthusiasts later added text-based languages. Construction is almost entirely Technic, using studless beams, axles and pins.

Small parts with their own set numbers

Much of the list is made up of accessories: Connector Cables for Mindstorms NXT (8529-1) with 7 pieces, Converter Cables for Mindstorms NXT (8528-1) with 3, and from 2008 the Mindstorms RF ID Sensor (MS1048-1) and Mindstorms Keyfob Transponder (MS1049-1). The Mini NXT Brick (MiniNXT-1) is listed with 3 pieces.

FAQ

When was Mindstorms NXT released?: The first NXT kit, Mindstorms NXT (8527-1), came out in 2006. The updated Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547-1) followed in 2009, and EV3 replaced the system in 2013.
Which sensors came with the original NXT kit?: Set 8527-1 included a touch sensor, a sound sensor, a light sensor and an ultrasonic sensor, plus three motors with built-in rotation sensors.
Why do some NXT sets have only a handful of pieces?: Many entries in this theme are single electronic components or cable packs, such as 8528-1 with 3 pieces or 8529-1 with 7. They were sold individually to extend or repair a system.