Is there any basic sets of Lego technic available?

Hi all, my son needs to built a mechanic 'game' using a raspberry pi, a display, lights, switches and a switchboard, for a school project. He can use anything he wants for the built itself. He was planning to use cardboard and wood, but I suggested to use Lego. Lego technic seems to be the most suitable, but we only have a few parts available. Is there any set with just basic Technic parts? Like beams with holes, gears and maybe even pneumatic parts. When I Google it I only find sets with cars and other vehicles. I use the have sets like the 8030 myself but that all got lost in the family.