How many pieces are in the Control Lab Building Set?

Control Lab Building Set contains 527 pieces.

When was the Control Lab Building Set released?

Control Lab Building Set was released in 1995.

🏛 Control Lab

Set #9701

Control Lab Building Set

The Control Lab Building Set is a pioneering educational tool.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Intermediate build Ideal for educators or hobbyists interested in early LEGO robotics and programmable systems.
Build: 527 pieces · about 4.5 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $149.00 list price · 28.3¢ per piece
Availability: Likely retired

★★★★☆ 4.2 AI-generated review score, not a customer rating

A highly sought-after set for its historical significance and educational purpose, though some find the technology outdated compared to modern robotics kits. Enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to explore early LEGO automation and control systems.

$149.00

Best Price

$134.10

You Save

10% OFF

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Control Lab Building Set is a pioneering educational tool. Released in 1995, this set was ahead of its time, integrating sensors, motors, and programmable elements to teach basic robotics and automation concepts.

This set is perfect for educators, vintage LEGO collectors, and anyone interested in the history of LEGO robotics. It offers a hands-on learning experience and showcases the early days of LEGO's foray into programmable technology.

Skip this if you are looking for modern, high-powered robotics capabilities or detailed display models. Consider LEGO Mindstorms or Spike Prime for current robotics technology or look into the numerous LEGO Technic sets available today.

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How does this set compare to modern LEGO Mindstorms sets in terms of functionality? What are the best ways to preserve and maintain the electronic components in this set? Is the original software required to program the models still available and compatible with modern computers? What are some creative ways to integrate the sensors and motors into custom MOCs?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

527

Pieces

⏱

4.5h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Exploring basic automation principles with LEGO elements
Integrating sensors and motors for interactive models
Experimenting with programming and control logic
Building seven different models with step-by-step instructions

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Control Lab Building Set presents an interesting investment opportunity due to its rarity, historical significance, and educational value. As a retired set from 1995, it's increasingly difficult to find in good condition, which drives up its value among collectors. The inclusion of various sensors, motors, and programmable elements adds to its appeal. However, potential investors should be aware that the demand may be limited to a niche market of LEGO robotics enthusiasts and educational institutions. Maintaining the set in its original packaging with all components intact is crucial for maximizing its investment potential.

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

📖 About This Set

Contains 527 pieces including three motors, four lamps, one sound element, one touch sensor, one temperature sensor, one light sensor, and two angle sensors. Includes enough elements for one building station and two to three students. Also includes step-by-step building instructions for seven models.

9V Baseplate Electric Electric Motor Functional Steering Greenhouse Light Brick Multibuild Sensor Sorting Tray Sound Brick Storage Technic Vending Machine Wheelchair

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Compared to modern LEGO robotics sets like Mindstorms and Spike Prime, the Control Lab Building Set offers a more rudimentary but historically significant introduction to robotics. While newer sets boast more advanced sensors, processors, and programming environments, the Control Lab set provides a unique glimpse into the early days of LEGO's foray into programmable technology. Collectors interested in the evolution of LEGO robotics may find this set more appealing than contemporary offerings.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 527
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 108 unique parts, 576 pieces

LEGO counts 527 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 576; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Storage / Sorting...

Part #: 167915 1× Trans-Clear

Storage / Sorting...

Part #: 167916 1× Trans-Clear

Brick 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2357 6× Red

Wheel Holder 2 x ...

Part #: 2415 1× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 6× Black

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Yellow

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Black

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Blue

Brick 1 x 2 x 5 w...

Part #: 2454a 2× Blue

Brick 1 x 2 x 5 w...

Part #: 2454a 4× Yellow

Brick 1 x 16

Part #: 2465 1× Red

Panel 6 x 6 x 9 C...

Part #: 2572 2× Trans-Clear

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 2711 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 2730 8× Red

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 24× Black

Technic Wedge Bel...

Part #: 2815 4× Black

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2817 2× Red

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 2825 5× Black

Motor, 9V 5 x 4 x...

Part #: 2838c01 3× Light Gray

Technic Turntable...

Part #: 2855 1× Light Gray

Technic Turntable...

Part #: 2856 1× Light Gray

Propeller 2 Blade...

Part #: 2952 2× Light Gray

Sensor, Touch, Fi...

Part #: 2974c01 1× Yellow

Sensor, Rotation

Part #: 2977c01 2× Blue

Sensor, Temperatu...

Part #: 2980c01 1× Yellow

Sensor, Light wit...

Part #: 2982c01 1× Blue

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 4× Red

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 10× Black

Part #: 3009 4× Yellow

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 6× Red

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 2× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 4× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 24× Black

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 2× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 6× Red

Brick 1 x 2 witho...

Part #: 3065 1× Trans-Red

Brick 1 x 2 witho...

Part #: 3065 1× Trans-Dark Blue

Brick 1 x 2 witho...

Part #: 3065 1× Trans-Green

Brick 1 x 2 witho...

Part #: 3065 1× Trans-Yellow

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 2× White

Tile 2 x 2 with B...

Part #: 3068bpr0050 1× White

Tile 2 x 2 with I...

Part #: 3068bpr0087 2× White

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 2× Light Gray

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 6× Yellow

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 2× White

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 4× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 6× Blue

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 2× Red

Tyre 14 x 4 Smoot...

Part #: 3139 1× Black

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3299 1× Black

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 9× Black

Wheel Centre Smal...

Part #: 3464 1× Trans-Clear

Wheel with Split ...

Part #: 3482 4× Yellow

Wheel with Split ...

Part #: 3482 4× Light Gray

Tyre Offset Tread...

Part #: 3483 8× Black

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 4× Black

Technic Gear 8 Tooth

Part #: 3647 8× Light Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3648a 4× Light Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3650c 4× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 8× Black

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3679 1× Light Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3680 1× Black

Part #: 3705 4× Black

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 6× Black

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 6× Black

Technic Axle 12

Part #: 3708 4× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 7× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 12× Black

Technic Bush

Part #: 3713 16× Light Gray

Technic Axle 10

Part #: 3737 2× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 6× Black

Technic Gear Rack...

Part #: 3743 14× Light Gray

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 3749 6× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 4× Black

Baseplate 16 x 32

Part #: 3857 2× Light Gray

Technic Link Tread

Part #: 3873 54× Black

Part #: 4019 2× Light Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 4× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 6× Black

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 4× White

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 8× Black

Technic Wedge Bel...

Part #: 4185 5× Light Gray

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 4265b 14× Light Gray

Part #: 4519 2× Black

Technic Worm Gear

Part #: 4716 3× Light Gray

Sound Brick, Roun...

Part #: 4774c02 1× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc015 2× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc036 2× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc162 6× Black

Panel 6 x 6 x 9 C...

Part #: 6002 2× Trans-Clear

Light Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 6035 4× White

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 6538a 2× Light Gray

Rubber Band Mediu...

Part #: 70012 2× Black

Technic Cable Holder

Part #: 70376 4× White

Dish 2 x 2 x 2/3 ...

Part #: 71128 2× Chrome Silver

Technic Rubber Be...

Part #: 85544 2× White

Technic Rubber Be...

Part #: 85545 4× White

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701b1 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701b2 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701b3 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701b4 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701b5 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701b6 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701b7 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701bc1 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Activity Booklet ...

Part #: 9701bc2 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Instruction Sheet...

Part #: upn0105 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Instruction Sheet...

Part #: upn0116 1× [No Color/Any Color]

🧱 Storage Bin Lid, ...

Part #: 71082 2× Trans-Clear

🧱 Storage Bin, Dact...

Part #: upn0032 2× Red

This set is a treasure trove of early Technic parts, including gears, connectors, and sensors that are difficult to find in modern sets. The inclusion of multiple motors, lamps, and sensors makes it a valuable resource for builders interested in creating vintage-style automated models.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

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Walmart

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$141.55

Target

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$149.00

💎 Notable Parts

Black Technic Link Tread (54x) $2.70

Light Gray Technic Gear Rack 1 x 4 (14x) $1.40

Light Gray Technic Gear 8 Tooth (8x) $0.80

Black Tyre Offset Tread 24 x 8 (8x) $2.00

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$6.90

💡 MOC Potential

🤖 Advanced robotic arms with sensor feedback

🚗 Automated assembly line with conveyor belts

🏙 Smart city infrastructure with automated systems

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

Macintosh Librarian's review of the LEGO DACTA 9701 Control Lab Building Set showcases it as a favorite, emphasizing its unique features and the endless possibilities it offers for creating custom control panels. The reviewer loves the ability to control LEGO creations from a computer using the Control Lab software, highlighting the motors, gears, pulleys, and sensors.