Unlock Your Inner Engineer!
Build the Robotics Invention System 2.0

Revisit the dawn of LEGO robotics with this 720-piece set from 2001. A nostalgic challenge for tech-savvy builders and collectors alike.

🏛 RCX
Set #3804

Robotics Invention System, Version 2.0

The Robotics Invention System 2.

🏆 Best For: Perfect for teens and adults interested in robotics and programming basics ⏱ 4.5 hr build 🧩 720 pcs
★★★★☆ 4.2 from 6 reviews

Fans appreciate this set's historical significance and its introduction to basic robotics concepts. However, some find the RCX brick outdated and prefer the advanced features of newer Mindstorms sets.

MSRP
$199.99
Best Price
$179.99
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📝 Our Take

The Robotics Invention System 2.0 is a groundbreaking set that sparked a revolution in LEGO robotics. Released in 2001, this set introduced the programmable RCX brick, allowing builders to create interactive and autonomous robots. It's a fantastic blend of classic LEGO building with early-era coding and robotics principles.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts and budding engineers interested in robotics and programming. The building experience is rewarding, providing a hands-on introduction to creating functional robots. The set offers a great starting point for exploring the world of LEGO Mindstorms.

Skip this if you're looking for modern Mindstorms features or advanced programming capabilities. The RCX brick is dated compared to newer Mindstorms sets like the Robot Inventor (51515-1), which offers smartphone control and a more user-friendly programming interface.

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Try asking:
How does the Robotics Invention System 2.0 compare to modern LEGO Mindstorms sets? What are the programming limitations of the RCX brick? Is this set a good introduction to robotics for beginners? How does the price of this set compare to its original MSRP?

🧱 Building Experience

🧩
720
Pieces
4.5h
Build Time
📊
Intermediate
Difficulty
Build Highlights:
  • Programmable RCX brick allows for basic autonomous functions
  • Introduction to sensor technology (touch and light sensors)
  • Building a variety of robotic models with different functionalities
  • Exploring basic programming concepts through the RCX interface

📈 Investment Analysis

↑ Trending up since release
B
Investment Grade
⏳ Appreciating
The Robotics Invention System 2.0 holds moderate investment potential due to its historical significance in the LEGO Mindstorms line. As one of the earliest programmable LEGO sets, it appeals to collectors interested in the evolution of LEGO robotics. While not as sought after as some of the later Mindstorms versions, its age and the nostalgia factor contribute to its value. The rising price trend suggests increasing collector interest. However, the technological limitations of the RCX brick compared to modern Mindstorms sets may limit its long-term appreciation.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

Compare Similar Sets

Compared to modern Mindstorms sets like the Robot Inventor (51515-1), the Robotics Invention System 2.0 offers a simpler, more basic approach to robotics. While the newer sets offer more advanced technology and features, the 3804-1 provides a nostalgic and historically significant experience. If you're interested in the history of LEGO robotics, the 3804-1 is a great choice. If you want the latest technology, go for the 51515-1.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 132 unique parts • 687 total pieces

Transmitter Tower, IR, USB Cable, with Black Front Transmitter Tower...
Part #: 23319c01 Dark Gray
Tyre 30 x 10.5 Offset Tread Tyre 30 x 10.5 Of...
Part #: 2346 Black
Wedge Plate 3 x 6 Cut Corners Wedge Plate 3 x 6...
Part #: 2419 Green
Plate 2 x 2 Corner Plate 2 x 2 Corner
Part #: 2420 Light Gray
Plate Round 2 x 2 with Rounded Bottom [Boat Stud] Plate Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 2654 Black
Technic Brick 1 x 10 [9 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 2730 Black
Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Center Slots Technic Pin with ...
Part #: 2780 Black
Technic Wedge Belt Wheel Tire Technic Wedge Bel...
Part #: 2815 Black
Plate Special 2 x 2 with 2 Pin Holes Plate Special 2 x...
Part #: 2817 Light Gray
Technic Beam 1 x 4 Thin with Stud Connector Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 2825 Light Gray
Technic Engine Crankshaft Center Technic Engine Cr...
Part #: 2854 Light Gray
Tyre 81.6 x 15 Motorcycle Tyre 81.6 x 15 Mo...
Part #: 2902 Black
Wheel 61.6 x 13.6 Motorcycle Wheel 61.6 x 13.6...
Part #: 2903 White
Sensor, Light with Fixed Cable Sensor, Light wit...
Part #: 2982c01 Blue
Motor Pulley, 9V Micromotor with axle hole Motor Pulley, 9V ...
Part #: 2983 Light Gray
Wheel Rim 24 x 14 VR with Center Axle Hole Wheel Rim 24 x 14...
Part #: 2994 White
Brick 2 x 4 Brick 2 x 4
Part #: 3001 Black
Brick 2 x 2 Brick 2 x 2
Part #: 3003 20× Black
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 20× Black
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 Yellow
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 Yellow
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Blue
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Light Gray
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Green
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 20× Light Gray
Plate 1 x 1 Plate 1 x 1
Part #: 3024 Light Gray
Plate 6 x 10 Plate 6 x 10
Part #: 3033 Light Gray
Plate 2 x 8 Plate 2 x 8
Part #: 3034 Green
Slope 45° 2 x 1 with Bottom Pin Slope 45° 2 x 1 w...
Part #: 3040b Yellow
Slope 45° 2 x 1 with Bottom Pin Slope 45° 2 x 1 w...
Part #: 3040b 12× Black
Technic Plate 2 x 6 [5 Holes] Technic Plate 2 x...
Part #: 32001 Light Gray
Technic Pin 3/4 Technic Pin 3/4
Part #: 32002 16× Dark Gray
Technic Tread Hub Technic Tread Hub
Part #: 32007 White
Technic Beam 1 x 11.5 Double Bent Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32009 Yellow
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #1 Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32013 Blue
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #5 - 112.5° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32015 Light Gray
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32017 Light Gray
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Door Rail Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 32028 Light Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #2 - 180° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32034 Blue
Technic Axle Connector with Axle Hole Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 32039 Light Gray
Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Stop Bush [3 Lateral Holes, Big Pin Hole] Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 32054 Blue
Technic Beam 3 x 3 L-Shape Thin Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 32056 Light Gray
Technic Axle 2 Notched Technic Axle 2 No...
Part #: 32062 10× Black
Technic Brick 1 x 2 with Axle Hole Type 1 [+ Opening] and Bottom Ridges Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 32064c Green
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32065 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular 3L with Pin Hole Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32068 Light Gray
Technic Axle 5 Technic Axle 5
Part #: 32073 Black
Technic Bush 1/2 Smooth with Axle Hole Reduced Technic Bush 1/2 ...
Part #: 32123a 18× Light Gray
Technic Modular Connector Technic Modular C...
Part #: 32137 Trans-Dark Blue
Technic Pin Double with Axle Hole Technic Pin Doubl...
Part #: 32138 Yellow
Technic Beam 2 x 4 L-Shape Thick Technic Beam 2 x ...
Part #: 32140 Black
Plate 1 x 8 Plate 1 x 8
Part #: 3460 Light Gray
Wheel with Split Axle hole Wheel with Split ...
Part #: 3482 Yellow
Tyre Offset Tread 24 x 8 Tyre Offset Tread...
Part #: 3483 Black
Plate 1 x 3 Plate 1 x 3
Part #: 3623 Yellow
Tyre 43 x 17 Tyre 43 x 17
Part #: 3634 Black
Technic Gear 8 Tooth Technic Gear 8 Tooth
Part #: 3647 Light Gray
Technic Gear 24 Tooth [New Style with Single Axle Hole] Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 3648b Light Gray
Technic Gear 40 Tooth Technic Gear 40 T...
Part #: 3649 Light Gray
Technic Gear 24 Tooth Crown with Reinforcements [New Style] Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 3650c Light Gray
Slope Inverted 45° 2 x 1 Slope Inverted 45...
Part #: 3665 Yellow
Slope Inverted 45° 2 x 1 Slope Inverted 45...
Part #: 3665 Black
Plate 1 x 6 Plate 1 x 6
Part #: 3666 10× Light Gray
Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Pin witho...
Part #: 3673 24× Light Gray
Turntable 2 x 2 Plate - Top Turntable 2 x 2 P...
Part #: 3679 Light Gray
Turntable 2 x 2 Plate, Base Turntable 2 x 2 P...
Part #: 3680 Blue
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 12× Black
Technic Brick 1 x 4 [3 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3701 Green
Technic Brick 1 x 4 [3 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3701 10× Black
Technic Brick 1 x 8 [7 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3702 Black
Technic Brick 1 x 16 [15 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3703 Black
Technic Axle 4 Technic Axle 4
Part #: 3705 Black
Technic Axle 6 Technic Axle 6
Part #: 3706 Black
Technic Axle 8 Technic Axle 8
Part #: 3707 Black
Technic Axle 12 Technic Axle 12
Part #: 3708 Black
Technic Plate 2 x 4 [3 Holes] Technic Plate 2 x...
Part #: 3709 Light Gray
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 10× Light Gray
Technic Bush Technic Bush
Part #: 3713 40× Light Gray
Technic Steering Pulley Large Technic Steering ...
Part #: 3736 Light Gray
Technic Axle 10 Technic Axle 10
Part #: 3737 Black
Technic Plate 2 x 8 [7 Holes] Technic Plate 2 x...
Part #: 3738 Light Gray
Technic Gear Rack 1 x 4 Technic Gear Rack...
Part #: 3743 Light Gray
Slope Inverted 33° 3 x 2, No Connections between Studs, Ovoid Bottom Pin Slope Inverted 33...
Part #: 3747a Black
Technic Axle Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 3749 16× Light Gray
Plate 2 x 10 Plate 2 x 10
Part #: 3832 Light Gray
Technic Brick 1 x 6 [5 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3894 Black
Technic Brick 1 x 12 [11 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3895 Black
Brick Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Brick Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 3941 Black
Bracket 2 x 2 - 2 x 2 Bracket 2 x 2 - 2...
Part #: 3956 Light Gray
Dish 4 x 4 Inverted [Radar] Dish 4 x 4 Invert...
Part #: 3960 White
Cable, Fiber Optics, Wide 25L / 20.0cm Cable, Fiber Opti...
Part #: 40002c25 Trans-Clear
Technic Gear 16 Tooth with Round Holes [Old Style] Technic Gear 16 T...
Part #: 4019 Light Gray
Plate Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Type 1 (+ Opening) Plate Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 4032a Blue
Plate Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Type 1 (+ Opening) Plate Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 4032a White
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Clip Vertical [Thick U Clip] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 4085c Black
CD-Rom, for 3804 [RIS v2.0] CD-Rom, for 3804 ...
Part #: 4142876 [No Color/Any Color]
Playmat, Test Mat for Mindstorms Robotics Invention System [v2.0] Playmat, Test Mat...
Part #: 4153678 [No Color/Any Color]
Technic Wedge Belt Wheel [aka Pulley] Technic Wedge Bel...
Part #: 4185 Light Gray
Arm Grab Jaw Holder, 3 Fingers Arm Grab Jaw Hold...
Part #: 4220 Yellow
Arm Grab Jaw Arm Grab Jaw
Part #: 4221 Black
Technic Pin 1/2 Technic Pin 1/2
Part #: 4274 Light Gray
Hinge Plate 1 x 2 with 3 Fingers [Hollow Studs] Hinge Plate 1 x 2...
Part #: 4275b Black
Plate 1 x 10 Plate 1 x 10
Part #: 4477 Light Gray
Technic Axle 3 Technic Axle 3
Part #: 4519 Black
Hinge Tile 1 x 2 1/2 with 2 Fingers on Top Hinge Tile 1 x 2 ...
Part #: 4531 Black
Cone 1 x 1 [No Top Groove] Cone 1 x 1 [No To...
Part #: 4589 White
Cone 1 x 1 [No Top Groove] Cone 1 x 1 [No To...
Part #: 4589 Yellow
Technic Worm Gear Technic Worm Gear
Part #: 4716 Black
Wire with Brick 2 x 2 x 2/3 Pair, 20L Wire with Brick 2...
Part #: 5306bc020 Black
Wire with Brick 2 x 2 x 2/3 Pair, 162L Wire with Brick 2...
Part #: 5306bc162 Black
Brick Separator v1.0 Brick Separator v1.0
Part #: 6007 Dark Gray
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Clip Horizontal [Thick U Clip] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 6019 Black
Arm Piece with Pin, 2 Fingers Arm Piece with Pi...
Part #: 6048a Black
Creature Body Part, Dragon Wing Creature Body Par...
Part #: 6133 Trans-Neon Orange
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 Black
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 White
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 Blue
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 6536 Light Gray
Technic Axle Connector Ridged [with x Hole x Orientation] Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 6538b Light Gray
Technic Axle 1.5 with Perpendicular Axle Connector (Technic Pole Reverser Handle) Technic Axle 1.5 ...
Part #: 6553 Light Gray
Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise, 2 Center Slots Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 6558 Black
Technic Gear Differential, 24 -16 Tooth with Clutch on Both Sides Technic Gear Diff...
Part #: 6573 Dark Gray
Technic Cam Technic Cam
Part #: 6575 Light Gray
Tyre 30.4 x 14 VR Tyre 30.4 x 14 VR
Part #: 6578 Black
Technic Axle 3 with Stud Technic Axle 3 wi...
Part #: 6587 Dark Gray
Technic Gear 12 Tooth Bevel Technic Gear 12 T...
Part #: 6589 Light Gray
Tyre 49.6 x 28 VR Tyre 49.6 x 28 VR
Part #: 6594 Black
Wheel 49.6 x 28 VR (36.8 x 26) with Axle Hole Wheel 49.6 x 28 V...
Part #: 6595 White
Technic Beam 1 x 9 Bent (6 - 4) Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 6629 Black
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 6632 Light Gray
Tread Large, Technic [34 Links] Tread Large, Tech...
Part #: 71372 Black
Motor, 9V Mini [Old Style] Motor, 9V Mini [O...
Part #: 71427c01 Light Gray
Rubber Band Small 13mm (Square Cross Section) Rubber Band Small...
Part #: 71509 Black
Hose Rigid 3mm D. 19L / 15.2cm Hose Rigid 3mm D....
Part #: 75c19 Yellow
Technic Gear 24 Tooth Clutch with Dark Gray or Light Gray Center Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 76019 White
Hose, Ribbed 7mm D. 9L / 7.2cm Hose, Ribbed 7mm ...
Part #: 78c09 Black
Hose, Ribbed 7mm D. 9L / 7.2cm Hose, Ribbed 7mm ...
Part #: 78c09 Dark Turquoise
Hose, Ribbed 7mm D. 12L / 9.6cm Hose, Ribbed 7mm ...
Part #: 78c12 Purple
Rubber Belt Small [15mm ID] [Round Cross Section] Rubber Belt Small...
Part #: 85543 White
Technic Rubber Belt Medium [26mm ID] [Round Cross Section] Technic Rubber Be...
Part #: 85545 Blue
Technic Rubber Belt Large [33mm ID] [Round Cross Section] Technic Rubber Be...
Part #: 85546 Yellow
Sensor, Touch Sensor, Touch
Part #: 879 Light Gray
Hub, RCX 2.0, No Power Jack [Complete Assembly] Hub, RCX 2.0, No ...
Part #: 884c Yellow
The set features a good selection of Technic parts, especially pins and bushes, useful for creating functional mechanisms. The abundance of light gray elements can be beneficial for builders looking to expand their Technic collection.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay
✓ In Stock
$179.99
Walmart
✓ In Stock
$189.99
Target
✓ In Stock
$199.99
Amazon

💎 Notable Parts

Light Gray Technic Bush (40x) $2.00
Light Gray Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise (24x) $1.20
Black Technic Brick 1 x 8 [7 Pin Holes] (8x) $0.80
Black Technic Brick 1 x 10 [9 Pin Holes] (8x) $0.80
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$4.80

💡 MOC Potential

🤖 Advanced walking robots with obstacle avoidance
🚗 Autonomous vehicles with sensor-based navigation
🏛 Automated LEGO sorting machine
🌳 Robotic plant watering system

📰 RCX News

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

Based on 7 videos
3.0 /5
Mixed
0% positive
BlockTalk AI

Reviews of the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System Version 2.0 (3804-1) are largely neutral, often focusing on unboxing, demonstrating older versions, or providing buying advice for used sets. Reviewers like BatteryPoweredBricks share their experiences acquiring new and used sets, highlighting the uncertainty of buying used LEGO Mindstorms online.

Community Sentiment

Based on 7 YouTube reviews

Reddit

Not enough Reddit data

YouTube

3.0 /5
Mixed
0% positive
0
Positive
7
Mixed
0
Critical
BlockTalk AI Analysis

Reviews of the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System Version 2.0 (3804-1) are largely neutral, often focusing on unboxing, demonstrating older versions, or providing buying advice for used sets. Reviewers like BatteryPoweredBricks share their experiences acquiring new and used sets, highlighting the uncertainty of buying used LEGO Mindstorms online.

What the Community Says

5 YouTube reviews
BlockTalk AI Summary

Doug's Devices discusses using older LEGO Mindstorms with modern computers, mentioning the potential need for a USB IR tower due to serial port limitations. Nonsense Wars offers reviews of both the Robotics Invention System 2.0 and the Ultimate Builders Set, encouraging viewers to like and subscribe for more content.

Community Content: These reviews are from Reddit and YouTube users sharing their personal experiences. Opinions may vary.

📖 Building Instructions 1

Robotics Invention System, Version 2.0 Instructions
BUILDING INSTR. 3804 ENG/US
Download PDF

Included In Included In These Sets

This set is packaged within the following gift sets and value packs

Charts Inventory Statistics

132
Unique Parts
687
Total Pieces
0
Minifigures
Inventory Version: 1