This is the first generation of LEGO Mindstorms, built around 9719 Robotics Invention System from 1998. The name came from Mindstorms, a 1980 book by Seymour Papert of the MIT Media Lab, whose research on programmable bricks led to the RCX, the yellow brick at the centre of the kit. It holds a small computer with three motor outputs and three sensor inputs, and programs written on a PC went to it by infrared through a tower plugged into the computer.
2001 LEGO Sets
2001 marked the global debut of BIONICLE, a story-driven theme that blended mechanical building with rich mythology, becoming one of LEGO’s most successful original lines. LEGO Harry Potter launched alongside The Sorcerer’s Stone film, beginning a long-running partnership with the Wizarding World franchise. Other new releases included Alpha Team and the action-oriented Racers theme. LEGO also introduced Serious Play for business training and Jack Stone for younger builders. Life on Mars was launched and discontinued within the same year, while LEGO expanded its global retail presence with new brand stores in Europe and the U.S.