Build Your Bots!
Unleash the Robot Inventor

Code interactive robots and vehicles with 949 pieces of LEGO Mindstorms magic. Perfect for STEM learning and hours of creative fun!

🏛 Mindstorms
Set #51515

Robot Inventor

The Robot Inventor set is a fantastic gateway into the world of LEGO robotics and coding.

🏆 Best For: Perfect for teens and adults interested in robotics and coding ⏱ 4.5 hr build 🧩 949 pcs
★★★★☆ 4.2

Fans praise the set's engaging building experience and the educational value of coding robots. Some criticisms include the high price and the reliance on a tablet or smartphone for programming.

MSRP
$359.99
Best Price
$323.99
You Save
10% OFF
View on

📝 Our Take

The Robot Inventor set is a fantastic gateway into the world of LEGO robotics and coding. This set combines the fun of building with the challenge of programming, allowing users to create and control their own interactive robots. It's a modern take on the classic Mindstorms theme, updated for today's tech-savvy generation.

This set is perfect for kids and adults who are interested in STEM and robotics. The building experience is engaging, and the programming interface is intuitive, making it accessible for beginners while still offering depth for more advanced users. The five different robot models provide plenty of replayability and opportunities for customization.

Skip this if you're primarily interested in display models or have no interest in programming. While the robots are visually appealing, their primary function is interaction and play. Consider LEGO Technic sets for display or Boost sets for simpler coding experiences.

✨ New
BlockTalk

Ask BlockTalk about this set

AI assistant with full set data

Powered by AI
BlockTalk
BlockTalk
Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the Robot Inventor - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!
Try asking:
How does Robot Inventor compare to other LEGO Mindstorms sets? What programming languages are compatible with the Robot Inventor hub? Can I use LEGO Technic parts to expand the Robot Inventor models? What is the long-term value of retired LEGO Mindstorms sets?

🧱 Building Experience

🧩
949
Pieces
4.5h
Build Time
📊
Intermediate
Difficulty
Build Highlights:
  • Building five different robot models with unique functions
  • Learning basic programming concepts through a visual interface
  • Integrating motors, sensors, and the intelligent hub
  • Customizing and expanding the robots with additional LEGO elements

📈 Investment Analysis

↑ Trending up since release
B
Investment Grade
⏳ Appreciating
The Robot Inventor set (51515-1) presents a mixed investment outlook. As a retired Mindstorms set, it benefits from the theme's enduring popularity and educational value. The rising price trend indicates growing demand. However, its high MSRP and the potential for newer, more advanced robotics sets to emerge could temper future appreciation. Investors should consider the set's condition and completeness, as the electronic components are crucial for its functionality and value.

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

Compare Similar Sets

Compared to older Mindstorms sets, Robot Inventor features a more modern and accessible programming interface. While the price is higher than some Technic sets, it offers a unique combination of building and coding. Consider LEGO Boost for a simpler, more introductory robotics experience.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 129 unique parts • 931 total pieces

Technic Pin Connector Hub with 2 Perpendicular Axles Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 10197 Black
Technic Gear 8 Tooth [Reinforced] Technic Gear 8 To...
Part #: 10928 Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Axle Pin 3L with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and 1L Axle Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 11214 14× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thin with Axle Holes on Ends Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 11478 Black
Technic Panel Fairing #21 5L Small Smooth, Side B Technic Panel Fai...
Part #: 11946 White
Technic Panel Fairing #22 5L Small Smooth, Side A Technic Panel Fai...
Part #: 11947 White
Technic Beam 3 x 5 Thick [90° Offset Centre Beam Holes] Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 14720 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Panel 3 x 11 x 1 Technic Panel 3 x...
Part #: 15458 White
Technic Axle 5 with Stop Technic Axle 5 wi...
Part #: 15462 Reddish Brown
Technic Gear 20 Tooth Double Bevel with Axle Hole Type 1 [+ Opening] Technic Gear 20 T...
Part #: 18575 Tan
Technic Pin Connector Round 1L [Beam] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 18654 Dark Turquoise
Technic Pin Connector Round 1L [Beam] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 18654 Black
Technic Pin Connector Round 1L [Beam] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 18654 10× White
Technic Turntable Large Type 3 Top, 60 Tooth Technic Turntable...
Part #: 18938 Black
Technic Turntable Large Type 3 Base Technic Turntable...
Part #: 18939 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Driving Ring Connector Technic Driving R...
Part #: 18948 White
Technic Pin Connector Hub with 1 Axle Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 22961 Black
Technic Panel Curved and Bent 6 x 3 Technic Panel Cur...
Part #: 24116 White
Technic Panel Curved 7 x 3 with 2 Pin Holes through Panel Surface Technic Panel Cur...
Part #: 24119 White
Technic Axle 3 with Stop Technic Axle 3 wi...
Part #: 24316 12× Reddish Brown
Plate Special 2 x 2 with Pin on Bottom Plate Special 2 x...
Part #: 2476a Light Bluish Gray
Brick Round 1 x 1 diameter Tube with 90 Degree Elbow (2 x 2 x 1) and Axle Holes (Crossholes) at each end Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 25214 Black
Antenna 8H Whip Antenna 8H Whip
Part #: 2569 Black
Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Center Slots Technic Pin with ...
Part #: 2780 175× Black
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b Black
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b Dark Turquoise
Technic Beam 1 x 11.5 Double Bent Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32009 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #1 Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32013 White
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #6 - 90° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32014 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #5 - 112.5° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32015 White
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #2 - 180° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32034 White
Technic Axle Connector with Axle Hole Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 32039 Black
Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Stop Bush [3 Lateral Holes, Big Pin Hole] Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 32054 12× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Stop Bush [3 Lateral Holes, Big Pin Hole] Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 32054 Red
Technic Axle 2 Notched Technic Axle 2 No...
Part #: 32062 10× Red
Technic Axle 5 Technic Axle 5
Part #: 32073 Yellow
Technic Bush 1/2 Smooth with Axle Hole Semi-Reduced Technic Bush 1/2 ...
Part #: 32123b Light Bluish Gray
Technic Beam 2 x 4 L-Shape Thick Technic Beam 2 x ...
Part #: 32140 Black
Technic Beam 2 x 4 L-Shape Thick Technic Beam 2 x ...
Part #: 32140 Dark Turquoise
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular 3L with Centre Pin Hole Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32184 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular 3L with Centre Pin Hole Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32184 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #4 - 135° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32192 White
Technic Gear 12 Tooth Double Bevel Technic Gear 12 T...
Part #: 32270 Black
Technic Beam 1 x 9 Bent (7 - 3) Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32271 Black
Technic Beam 1 x 15 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32278 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Double Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32291 Black
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32316 Black
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32316 Dark Turquoise
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Bent (4 - 4) Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32348 Black
Technic Ball Joint Technic Ball Joint
Part #: 32474 Dark Turquoise
Technic Gear 36 Tooth Double Bevel Technic Gear 36 T...
Part #: 32498 Black
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 Red
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 Green
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 Dark Turquoise
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 Blue
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 Yellow
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 10× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 White
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32524 White
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32524 11× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 11 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32525 Black
Technic Beam 3 x 5 L-Shape Thick Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 32526 12× Black
Technic Beam 3 x 5 L-Shape Thick Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 32526 Dark Turquoise
Technic Pin Long without Friction Ridges Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 32556 Tan
Technic Pin Connector Perpendicular Long Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 32557 Black
Technic Gear 24 Tooth [New Style with Single Axle Hole] Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 3648b Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Pin witho...
Part #: 3673 18× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 4 Technic Axle 4
Part #: 3705 Black
Technic Axle 6 Technic Axle 6
Part #: 3706 Red
Technic Axle 8 Technic Axle 8
Part #: 3707 Black
Technic Axle 12 Technic Axle 12
Part #: 3708 Black
Technic Bush Technic Bush
Part #: 3713 10× Light Bluish Gray
Sensor, Color, SPIKE Sensor, Color, SPIKE
Part #: 37308 White
Sensor, Distance, SPIKE Sensor, Distance,...
Part #: 37316 White
Technic Axle Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 3749 Tan
Wheel 57 x 14 with 4 Spokes with 2 Holes and Black Integral Tire Wheel 57 x 14 wit...
Part #: 39367pat0002 Black
Technic Base Frame 11 x 19 Technic Base Fram...
Part #: 39369 Dark Turquoise
Dish 8 x 8 Inverted [Radar], Solid Studs, Rounded Anti-stud Underside Dish 8 x 8 Invert...
Part #: 3961 Dark Turquoise
Technic Beam Frame 11 x 15 Technic Beam Fram...
Part #: 39790 Black
Technic Connector Beam 3 x 3 Technic Connector...
Part #: 39793 Dark Turquoise
Technic Beam Frame 7 x 11 Technic Beam Fram...
Part #: 39794 Black
Cable, USB, SPIKE / Mindstorms Robot Inventor Cable, USB, SPIKE...
Part #: 39881 White
Technic Beam 1 x 9 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 40490 14× Dark Turquoise
Technic Beam 1 x 13 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 41239 White
Ball, Hard Plastic, 51mm (approx. 6 studs diameter) Ball, Hard Plasti...
Part #: 41250 Red
Tile 1 x 8 with Groove Tile 1 x 8 with G...
Part #: 4162 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Double Split Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 41678 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular 3L with 2 Pin Holes Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 42003 Dark Turquoise
Technic Pin 1/2 Technic Pin 1/2
Part #: 4274 10× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 43093 60× Blue
Technic Axle 7 Technic Axle 7
Part #: 44294 Light Bluish Gray
Dish 6 x 6 Inverted (Radar) with Solid Studs Dish 6 x 6 Invert...
Part #: 44375b White
Technic Pin Connector Hub with 2 Pins with Friction Ridges Lengthwise [Small Squared Pin Holes] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 44874 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 3 Technic Axle 3
Part #: 4519 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle Connector Double Flexible [Rubber] Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 45590 Black
Projectile, Arrow with Shaft, Hollow Black Rubber End Projectile, Arrow...
Part #: 46537 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Panel Car Mudguard 15 x 2 x 7 Technic Panel Car...
Part #: 46882 White
Technic Pin Connector Hub Perpendicular 3 x 3 Bent with 4 Pins (Pin Ridges Along Part) Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 49130 Light Bluish Gray
Wire Clip with Axle Hole Wire Clip with Ax...
Part #: 49283 Dark Turquoise
Launcher, Brick Special 2 x 6 Spring Shooter with Light Bluish Gray Top Launcher, Brick S...
Part #: 49743c01 Dark Bluish Gray
Motor, Medium Servo SPIKE Motor, Medium Ser...
Part #: 54696 Light Bluish Gray
Projectile, Large Figure Weapon, Zamor Sphere / Ball Projectile, Large...
Part #: 54821 Red
Technic Axle 8 with Stop Technic Axle 8 wi...
Part #: 55013 Dark Bluish Gray
Wheel 18 x 14 with Pin Hole Wheel 18 x 14 wit...
Part #: 55889 Black
Wheel 18 x 8 with Fake Bolts and Shallow Spokes and Axle Hole Wheel 18 x 8 with...
Part #: 56903 White
Technic Axle 5.5 with Stop [Rounded Short End] Technic Axle 5.5 ...
Part #: 59426 Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Axle Connector Smooth [with x Hole + Orientation] Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 59443 White
Technic Beam 1 x 2 Thick with Pin Hole and Axle Hole Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 60483 Black
Technic Beam 1 x 2 Thick with Pin Hole and Axle Hole Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 60483 White
Technic Beam 3 x 3 T-Shape Thick Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 60484 Dark Turquoise
Technic Axle 9 Technic Axle 9
Part #: 60485 Yellow
Tyre Offset Tread with Center Band 23 x 7 Tyre Offset Tread...
Part #: 61254 Black
Technic Pin Connector Round [Slotted] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 62462 Black
Technic Panel Curved 11 x 3 with 2 Pin Holes through Panel Surface Technic Panel Cur...
Part #: 62531 White
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Triple Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 63869 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Beam Frame 5 x 7 with 3 x 5 Opening Thick Technic Beam Fram...
Part #: 64179 Black
Technic Panel Fairing # 4 Small Smooth Long, Side B Technic Panel Fai...
Part #: 64391 White
Technic Panel Fairing #6 Long Smooth, Side B Technic Panel Fai...
Part #: 64393 White
Technic Panel Fairing #5 Long Smooth, Side A Technic Panel Fai...
Part #: 64681 White
Technic Panel Fairing # 3 Small Smooth Long, Side A Technic Panel Fai...
Part #: 64683 White
Technic Panel 5 x 11 x 1 Technic Panel 5 x...
Part #: 64782 White
Technic Pin Double with Axle Hole - Squared Holes Technic Pin Doubl...
Part #: 65098 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 6536 Dark Turquoise
Differential Gear - 28 Tooth with Round Axle Hole Differential Gear...
Part #: 65413 Red
Differential Gear House Differential Gear...
Part #: 65414 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Connector Hub with 1 Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise [Square Holes] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 65487 18× White
Technic Pin Connector Hub Perpendicular 3L with 4 Pins (Squared Holes) Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 65489 12× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise, 2 Center Slots Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 6558 82× Blue
Technic Gear 12 Tooth Bevel Technic Gear 12 T...
Part #: 6589 Tan
Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Towball Technic Pin with ...
Part #: 6628 Black
Tile 1 x 6 with Groove Tile 1 x 6 with G...
Part #: 6636 Black
Battery Pack, Rechargeable, Mindstorms Robot Inventor Battery Pack, Rec...
Part #: 67704 Dark Turquoise
Hub, Programmable, Mindstorms Robot Inventor Hub, Programmable...
Part #: 67718 Dark Turquoise
Sticker Sheet for Set 51515-1 Sticker Sheet for...
Part #: 73229 [No Color/Any Color]
Hose Rigid 3mm D. 8L / 6.4cm Hose Rigid 3mm D....
Part #: 75c08 Light Bluish Gray
Rubber Belt Small [15mm ID] [Round Cross Section] Rubber Belt Small...
Part #: 85543 White
Tile 2 x 4 with Groove Tile 2 x 4 with G...
Part #: 87079 Dark Turquoise
Technic Panel Fairing #1 Small Smooth Short, Side A Technic Panel Fai...
Part #: 87080 White
Technic Axle 4 with Stop Technic Axle 4 wi...
Part #: 87083 Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Panel Fairing #2 Small Smooth Short, Side B Technic Panel Fai...
Part #: 87086 White
Large Figure Weapon, Barrel with 2 Pin Holes and 3 Axle Holes Large Figure Weap...
Part #: 98585 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Double 4L Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 98989 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 4 with Centre Stop Technic Axle 4 wi...
Part #: 99008 Tan
Technic Turntable Small Top Technic Turntable...
Part #: 99009 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Turntable Small Base, 28 Tooth Technic Turntable...
Part #: 99010 Black
The set includes a large number of Technic pins and beams, making it a valuable source for builders looking to expand their Technic collection. The dark turquoise elements are also relatively uncommon and desirable for MOCs.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay
✓ In Stock
$323.99
Walmart
✓ In Stock
$341.99
Target
✓ In Stock
$359.99
Amazon

💎 Notable Parts

Black Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Center Slots (175x) $8.75
Blue Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise, 2 Center Slots (82x) $4.10
Dark Turquoise Technic Beam 1 x 9 Thick (14x) $2.80
Dark Turquoise Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thick (9x) $1.80
Black Technic Beam 3 x 5 L-Shape Thick (12x) $2.40
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$19.85

💡 MOC Potential

🤖 Custom robot designs with unique functions
🚗 Programmable vehicles with advanced control systems
🌳 Automated plant watering system

📰 Set News

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

1 video found
BlockTalk AI

LEGO YouTubers give the Robot Inventor (51515) a positive reception, with Builderdude35 suggesting it might be the best Mindstorms set yet. While tutorials and unboxing videos make up the other half of the content, the overall sentiment is positive, with the set scoring 3.7/5.

What the Community Says

1 YouTube reviews
BlockTalk AI Summary

Unbrickme provides a hands-on review of the LEGO 51515 Robot Inventor set, showing the unboxing and a speed build of the Gelo robot. The video demonstrates the robot's functions and offers overall impressions of the set.

Reddit Reviews

No Reddit reviews found

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

🤖 Programming Resources

⚡ Quick Start: Build Your First Robot

  1. Charge the Hub: Connect via USB-C for 2 hours (LED shows battery status)
  2. Download App: Get "LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor" app (iOS/Android/Windows/Mac)
  3. Connect via Bluetooth: Open app → Select hub → Pair device
  4. Build First Model: Follow in-app tutorial (30-60 minutes)
  5. Run Your First Program: Use drag-and-drop blocks to make it move!

💡 First-time programmer? Start with the official app tutorials. You'll go from zero to driving robot in under 1 hour—no coding experience needed!

🚀

Getting Started

Complete beginner's guide to MINDSTORMS programming. Learn visual blocks, transition to Python, and build 5 master robots.

Browse All Guides →
🐍

Python Programming

Transition to text-based Python coding. Learn functions, variables, sensor logic, and motor control. Includes 20+ code examples.

Python Examples →
📚

Tutorials & Projects

Browse 100+ community projects: line-following robots, sumo bots, maze solvers, and more. Step-by-step instructions with code.

MINDSTORMS Hub →
🤖

Ask BlockTalk AI

Get instant answers to programming questions! "How do I make my robot follow a line?" "What's the difference between motors?" "Generate code for a maze solver."

Chat with BlockTalk →

💻 Code Example: Drive Forward 1 Meter

# Import motor and distance functions
from spike import MotorPair

# Initialize motor pair (ports B and F)
motors = MotorPair('B', 'F')

# Drive forward 1 meter (100 cm) at 50% speed
motors.move(100, 'cm', speed=50)

print("Reached destination!")

This Python code makes your robot drive forward exactly 1 meter. Adjust the distance, speed, and motor ports for your robot design. View 20+ more examples →

🌐 Community & Learning Resources

Ready to Start Programming?

Join thousands of builders learning robotics and coding with LEGO!

Charts Inventory Statistics

129
Unique Parts
770
Total Pieces
0
Minifigures
Inventory Version: 2