LEGO retired its MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor set, 51515, but the change did not mean every MINDSTORMS hub became unusable. LEGO’s current support page says Robot Inventor retired in 2023 and that its hub can still be programmed in the SPIKE app. LEGO has not announced a successor or a date for MINDSTORMS to return.
What LEGO discontinued—and when
LEGO’s announcement concerned the retail MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor set 51515 and related elements 88016 and 88018. The company said those physical products would leave its portfolio from the end of 2022. LEGO’s current support page describes Robot Inventor as having retired in 2023; those are distinct dates and wordings, not a contradiction about a promised new release. (LEGO statement reproduced by ROBOTMAK3RS; LEGO support)
The announcement marked the end of a long-running consumer robotics line: LEGO’s statement says MINDSTORMS launched in September 1998. It described the brand as a core Build & Code experience, but did not attach sales figures or other market data to the decision. (LEGO statement reproduced by ROBOTMAK3RS)
What happened to the Robot Inventor app?
The physical set’s retirement and the app’s status followed separate timelines. LEGO’s announcement said digital platforms, including the Robot Inventor app, would remain live until at least the end of 2024. That was a minimum commitment at the time, not a promise of indefinite availability. LEGO’s current support page now says Robot Inventor no longer has its own app, but owners can still program the hub using the SPIKE app. (LEGO statement reproduced by ROBOTMAK3RS; LEGO support)
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For someone who already owns set 51515, the practical takeaway is to use LEGO’s stated SPIKE-app path rather than assume the retired standalone app will remain available. The support page establishes that route for the Robot Inventor hub; it does not establish that every older MINDSTORMS hub or component works with SPIKE.
Why did LEGO end the product?
In the statement reproduced by ROBOTMAK3RS, LEGO said it was redirecting the Robot Inventor team to other areas of the business while continuing to support Build & Code through experiences including SPIKE Prime. The statement also said LEGO retained the MINDSTORMS trademark and was assessing future plans with LEGO Education. It gave no successor product, return date, or commitment to restart the line. (LEGO statement reproduced by ROBOTMAK3RS)
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- Art. No.45544
- Material No. 6250574
- Product Name: LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Core Set
- Included: Rechargeable battery (Art. No.45501)
- Charger (Art. No.45517) Sold separately
That leaves the brand’s future open, but it is not evidence that a new MINDSTORMS kit is coming. Treat claims of a confirmed comeback as speculation unless LEGO announces one.
What can MINDSTORMS owners or robotics teams use now?
| Option | What the sources establish | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Robot Inventor 51515 | Retired; its hub can still be programmed in the SPIKE app, according to LEGO support. | The dedicated Robot Inventor app is no longer available as its own app, according to LEGO support. This software path is stated for the Robot Inventor hub, not every MINDSTORMS generation. |
| SPIKE Prime | LEGO described it as a continuing Build & Code experience. FIRST lists it as a Challenge solution. | It is an adjacent education-oriented offering, not a universal hardware-compatible replacement for all MINDSTORMS products. Check current product availability and season-specific competition rules. |
| Earlier MINDSTORMS generations, including EV3 | FIRST’s technical-resources page says previous MINDSTORMS versions, including EV3, may be used in FIRST LEGO League Challenge. | That is competition eligibility information, not a statement that LEGO still supports or sells those products. LEGO Education’s stated EV3 Classroom and EV3 Python support endpoint was June 30, 2023. |
Sources: LEGO Robot Inventor support, FIRST LEGO League technical resources, LEGO Education EV3 resources, and LEGO Education SPIKE app support.
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- EV3 Expansion Set
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For FIRST LEGO League Challenge
FIRST’s technical resources identify SPIKE Prime as a Challenge solution and allow previous MINDSTORMS generations, including EV3. Teams should check the rules for their specific season before choosing or relying on hardware; eligibility does not guarantee ongoing software support from LEGO. (FIRST LEGO League technical resources)
For continued software support
LEGO Education says support for the SPIKE app and availability of the current SPIKE curriculum are scheduled through June 30, 2031. This is a dated support commitment, not a guarantee of future product availability or of compatibility beyond what LEGO states. (LEGO Education SPIKE app support)
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What to check before buying a used set 51515
Robot Inventor is retired, so a listing for it is a resale offer, not a current LEGO release. Before purchasing, check that the listing is actually for LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 51515, confirm the condition and included parts, and verify current availability and price with the seller. LEGO’s support guidance about programming the hub in SPIKE may help owners, but it does not verify the condition or completeness of any used set.
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