Lego has unveiled its most significant innovation in decades at CES 2026: the Smart Brick. These new tech-infused building blocks promise to bring Lego creations to life with integrated sound, light, and motion-sensing capabilities, aiming to enhance physical play without relying on screens. The launch marks a bold step for the iconic toy company into the realm of interactive technology.
Key Takeaways
- Lego introduces Smart Bricks, Smart Minifigures, and Smart Tags as part of the new Smart Play system.
- The technology allows models to react to movement, sound, and interaction with other smart components.
- Initial releases will feature Star Wars-themed sets, launching in March.
- The innovation aims to blend physical building with digital interactivity, sparking debate among play experts.
Introducing The Lego Smart Play System
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Lego showcased its new Smart Play system, a collection of electronic components designed to be integrated into its classic plastic bricks. The centerpiece is the Smart Brick, a standard 2×4 brick equipped with sensors, lights, a small speaker, an accelerometer, and a custom chip. These components enable the brick to detect motion, position, and distance, allowing Lego models to respond dynamically during play. This system also includes Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags, which possess digital identifiers that trigger specific sounds or reactions when interacting with Smart Bricks.
Bringing Creations To Life
Lego states that the Smart Play system is designed to "bring sets to life with sound, light and reaction to movement." During demonstrations at CES, a Lego birthday cake recognized when its "candles" were blown out, triggering a cheer and a birthday song. Similarly, a Lego helicopter produced "whooshing" sounds when moved and turned red upon simulated crashing. These interactive features are powered by a proprietary wireless system called BrickNet, which uses Bluetooth and a "Neighbor Position Measurement" system to allow bricks to communicate directly with each other without the need for external apps or internet connections.
Mixed Reactions and Future Vision
While Lego views this as an opportunity to "expand physical play," the introduction of Smart Bricks has elicited mixed reactions from play experts. Some express concern that the added technology might undermine the imaginative power of traditional Lego play, where children’s own creativity generates sounds and movements. However, others acknowledge the potential for these tools to enhance physical and digital play integration. Lego’s Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Julia Goldin, emphasized that digital technology is seen as an opportunity, not a threat, aiming to weave interactivity "seamlessly" with physical products. Tom Donaldson, head of Lego’s Creative Play Lab, stated the company is building a platform intended to last for many years, designed to "inspire and surprise the user to keep them continuing to play."
Launch Details and Pricing
The Lego Smart Play system is set to launch on March 1, with the initial wave of products featuring Star Wars sets. These sets are designed to add interactive elements to iconic scenes and characters. For example, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker Smart Minifigures will have Lightsaber sounds, and Emperor Palpatine’s throne room set will play "The Imperial March." Pricing for these initial sets ranges from $70 for Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter to $160 for the Throne Room Duel & A-wing set. Lego is also exploring wireless charging solutions for multiple Smart Bricks.
A New Era for Lego
This move into connected technology is Lego’s most significant departure from its traditional model since the introduction of the minifigure in 1978. The company has previously experimented with digital experiences, including augmented reality apps and collaborations with video game developers. Lego’s CEO, Niels B. Christiansen, has highlighted accelerated spending on digital technology as a strategic priority. Despite the excitement, concerns about the security and privacy of smart toys, particularly those integrating AI, remain a point of discussion among experts, who urge critical reflection on how such toys influence children’s lives.
Sources
- Lego unveils tech-filled Smart Bricks, BBC.
- LEGO introduces SMART Play technology for responsive interactive builds, Fox Business.
- Lego unveils a technology-packed Smart Brick at CES 2026, Engadget.
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