Key Takeaways
- Lego has unveiled Smart Bricks, a new line of tech-filled building blocks that bring sets to life with sound, light, and reaction to movement
- The new product range has received a mixed reaction from play experts, who say it risks undermining the imaginative play that makes Lego distinct
- Smart Bricks can sense motion, position, and distance, allowing models to respond in various ways during play
- The Smart Play System includes Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags tiles, which possess digital identifiers that trigger different sounds or reactions when they detect and interact with each other
- Experts have raised concerns about the security and privacy of new and emerging smart toys for children, particularly those that integrate AI
Introduction to Smart Bricks
Lego has announced the launch of Smart Bricks, a new line of tech-filled building blocks that aim to bring Lego sets to life with sound, light, and reaction to movement. The Danish toymaker unveiled its Smart Play system at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, which introduces new electronic components to the classic plastic blocks. According to Lego, its new tech-enabled products, launching in March with a new Star Wars set, are its "most revolutionary innovation" in nearly 50 years. However, the new product range has received a mixed reaction from play experts, who say it risks undermining what makes Lego distinct for children in an increasingly digital world.
Expert Opinions on Smart Bricks
Josh Golin, executive director of children’s wellbeing group Fairplay, believes that Smart Bricks could "undermine what was once great about Legos" – harnessing children’s own imagination during play. He argues that the toy did not require extra features to generate sounds or other effects, as children’s imaginations are capable of creating their own stories and sounds with traditional Lego blocks. Andrew Manches, professor of children and technology at the University of Edinburgh, agrees that the beauty of Lego lies in "the freedom to create, re-create, and adapt simple blocks into endless stories powered by children’s imagination". However, he also welcomes Lego’s efforts to integrate physical and digital play with tools that react to the way children interact with its Smart Play products.
How Smart Bricks Work
Lego says its Smart Bricks can sense motion, position, and distance, allowing models to respond in various ways during play. The brick itself contains sensors, lights, a small sound synthesiser, an accelerometer, and a custom-made silicon chip enabling it to detect movement and react to it. The Smart Brick is designed to be used with Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags tiles, two additional products making up Lego’s Smart Play System. These possess digital identifiers that trigger different sounds or reactions when they detect and interact with each other. For example, a Lego birthday cake can recognize when its "candles" are blown out, sounding a cheer and a happy birthday song. Meanwhile, a Lego helicopter can make whooshing sounds when moved or rotated, with its Smart Brick lighting up red upon crashing.
Lego’s Vision for Smart Play
Julia Goldin, Lego’s chief product and marketing officer, previously told the BBC that the company views digital technology as an opportunity to "expand physical play and physical building". She added that Lego’s smart range weaves interactivity "seamlessly" with its physical products. Tom Donaldson, head of Lego’s Creative Play Lab, said the tech is intended to respond to children’s actions and complement the way they naturally play. He hopes that the Smart Brick’s reactions to responses will "hopefully inspire and surprise the user to keep them continuing to play". Lego aims to build a platform that will last for many years, and its investment in digital technology is a strategic area for the company.
Concerns about Smart Toys
While Lego’s Smart Bricks are an exciting innovation, concerns remain about the security and privacy of new and emerging smart toys for children, particularly those that integrate AI. Professor Manches notes that the reduced cost and size of components has "enabled more toymakers to integrate digital technology seamlessly into a range of toys". However, he emphasizes the importance of being critically reflective of the design of these toys and paying attention to how they influence children’s everyday lives. Lego has previously released augmented reality apps and experiences, and has collaborated with video game publishers to appeal to online audiences. As the company continues to invest in digital technology, it must balance its efforts to innovate with the need to protect children’s privacy and security.