Key Takeaways
- The LEGO Group is set to unveil a new innovation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that is expected to integrate technology into their classic play system.
- The company has a mixed track record when it comes to technology, with successes like LEGO Mindstorms and failures like LEGO Vidiyo.
- LEGO has been experimenting with technology for decades, including augmented reality, robotics, and mobile apps.
- The company’s mission is to "inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow" and they are committed to innovation and taking risks.
- The new innovation is expected to be unveiled on January 5, 2026, at 10am PST, and will likely be focused on kids and introducing new technology to the classic LEGO play system.
Introduction to LEGO’s New Innovation
In a few hours, the LEGO Group will debut the "next dimension of play" at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s biggest tech event. Based on the teasers and the fact that CES was chosen to debut this new innovation, it’s all but certain that technology and smarts will be at the core of whatever LEGO has for younger fans. The possibilities are endless, and many are genuinely interested to see what LEGO has up their sleeves. Talking bricks and minifigures, lighting integrated into bricks and minifigures, or the ability for missing bricks to beep loudly when they can’t be found during the build are just a few examples of what could be in store.
LEGO’s History with Technology
There is understandably a lot of apprehension from LEGO fans, given the company’s patchy track record when it comes to technology. The LEGO Group has endured over 90 years by focusing on its "System in Play", and has somehow thrived in the new millennium, against a rapidly evolving backdrop of technology, social media, video games, and artificial intelligence. The hesitation from LEGO fans is largely due to LEGO’s history of mediocre digital attempts, which has more failures than successes. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that the company has had some notable successes, such as LEGO Mindstorms, which was a revolutionary product that introduced electronics to bricks and encouraged young builders to build and program their own robots.
Notable Forays into Technology
One of LEGO’s earliest leaps into technology is also arguably its biggest success, LEGO Mindstorms. Born out of a collaboration between the MIT Media Lab and The LEGO Group, Mindstorms was a groundbreaking product that introduced programming and robotics to kids. The theme was so ahead of its time that it became a staple in schools and STEM channels, and birthed international LEGO robotics competitions like First LEGO League. Unfortunately, despite having such a market-leading advantage, a lack of focus internally from LEGO led to Mindstorms slowly withering away in the background, until LEGO decided to kill the theme in 2022. Other notable forays into technology include Life of George, NEXO Knights, LEGO Hidden Side, and Vidiyo, each with their own successes and failures.
Lessons Learned from Past Failures
The failure of LEGO Vidiyo, in particular, is a notable example of the company’s struggles with technology. The theme was launched in 2021, during the pandemic, and was met with widespread criticism for its poorly designed app and lack of engagement. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that the company has learned from its failures and has been working to improve its approach to technology. The LEGO Group has drastically increased investment into technology, with a whole new digital innovation hub in Copenhagen, and now employs plenty of technologists, futurists, and engineers. The company’s partnership with Nintendo, which resulted in the successful LEGO Super Mario theme, is also a notable example of its ability to collaborate with other companies and create innovative products.
The Future of LEGO
The fact that the LEGO Super Mario figure, which was launched in 2020, still works seamlessly today, is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and longevity. The theme, which was initially met with mixed reception, has continued to evolve and expand, with new characters and sets being released regularly. As the company prepares to unveil its new innovation at CES, it’s likely that the focus will be on kids and introducing new technology to the classic LEGO play system. Whatever the company unveils, it’s sure to be an exciting development for fans of the brand. The company’s mission to "inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow" is at the heart of everything they do, and their commitment to innovation and taking risks is what has made them one of the most beloved and enduring brands in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the LEGO Group’s new innovation, set to be unveiled at CES, is highly anticipated and expected to integrate technology into their classic play system. The company’s history with technology has been mixed, with successes like LEGO Mindstorms and failures like LEGO Vidiyo. However, the company has learned from its failures and has been working to improve its approach to technology. With a commitment to innovation and taking risks, the LEGO Group is sure to continue to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow. As the company looks to the future, it’s likely that the focus will be on kids and introducing new technology to the classic LEGO play system. Whatever the company unveils, it’s sure to be an exciting development for fans of the brand.