A major shift in Lego’s building philosophy
Lego has unveiled Smart Bricks, a new generation of technology-enabled building blocks designed to add sound, light and movement-based reactions to traditional Lego sets. Revealed at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the Smart Play system introduces electronic components into the familiar plastic bricks, marking what the company describes as its most significant innovation in nearly five decades.
The first Smart Bricks products are set to launch in March, led by a new Star Wars-themed set. Lego says the goal is to bring physical creations to life by responding directly to how children move, position and interact with their builds.
Concerns over imagination and open-ended play
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from play experts, some of whom worry that the added technology could dilute what has traditionally made Lego distinctive. Critics argue that Lego’s strength has always been its simplicity and its ability to let children invent stories, sounds and motion using imagination alone.
They caution that embedding sensors and automated responses may shift play from being child-led to system-led, potentially reducing the creative freedom that has defined Lego for generations.
A blend of physical and digital experiences
Other specialists take a more balanced view, acknowledging concerns while also seeing potential value in carefully designed interactive elements. Supporters note that digital features can respond to children’s actions rather than replace them, potentially enhancing engagement without fully dictating how play unfolds.
Lego itself has framed Smart Bricks as an extension of physical play rather than a replacement. The company views digital technology as a way to expand what can be done with physical building, while keeping construction and hands-on creativity at the center.
How Lego Smart Bricks work
Each Smart Brick maintains the familiar 2×4 shape but contains sensors capable of detecting motion, position and distance. Inside are lights, a small sound synthesiser, an accelerometer and a custom silicon chip that enables real-time reactions to movement.
The system is designed to work alongside Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags, which include digital identifiers that trigger specific sounds or effects when they interact. For example, a birthday cake model can recognize when candles are blown out, while a helicopter can generate sound effects and visual cues when moved or dropped.
Long-term ambitions and open questions
Lego says Smart Bricks are part of a long-term platform intended to evolve over many years, as components become smaller, cheaper and more capable. The company has been steadily increasing investment in digital technology, including augmented reality experiences and collaborations with major gaming brands.
Despite the excitement, questions remain around data security, privacy and the broader impact of smart toys on children’s everyday lives. As connected play becomes more common, experts stress the importance of thoughtful design that supports creativity rather than constraining it.
