Lego’s Smart Bricks Revolutionize Play with Interactive, Screen-Free Building
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, Lego unveiled its groundbreaking Smart Play system, introducing a new era of interactive, screen-free building experiences. This innovative system comprises Smart Bricks, Smart Tag tiles, and Smart Minifigures, all designed to enhance traditional Lego play by integrating responsive technology without the need for screens.
Components of the Smart Play System
The Smart Play system centers around three key elements:
1. Smart Bricks: These are standard 2×4 Lego bricks embedded with advanced technology, including a patented ASIC chip smaller than a single Lego stud. This chip enables the bricks to recognize and interact with nearby Smart Tags and Minifigures.
2. Smart Tag Tiles: Measuring 2×2 and lacking traditional studs, these tiles contain unique digital IDs. When placed within a Lego creation, they communicate specific instructions to Smart Bricks and Minifigures, triggering corresponding actions or responses.
3. Smart Minifigures: Equipped with sensors, these figures can detect and respond to Smart Tags, adding dynamic interactions to the play experience.
How It Works
When a Smart Brick is incorporated into a Lego model containing Smart Tags, it can produce lights and sounds relevant to the creation. For instance, in a helicopter model, the Smart Brick might emit propeller sounds and flashing lights, enhancing the realism of the play. The built-in accelerometer ensures these effects correspond to the model’s movements, such as tilting or spinning.
The Smart Bricks utilize near-field magnetic positioning to identify surrounding Smart Tags. Additionally, Lego has developed a Bluetooth-based protocol named BrickNet, allowing multiple Smart Bricks to communicate and function cohesively. BrickNet is fortified with advanced encryption and privacy measures to ensure secure interactions.
User-Friendly and Screen-Free
A standout feature of the Smart Play system is its simplicity. Users can start playing without any setup or pairing processes, making it accessible for children and convenient for parents. Notably, the system operates entirely without screens, preserving the tactile and imaginative essence of traditional Lego play.
Upcoming Releases
Lego plans to launch its first two Smart Play sets on March 1, with preorders opening on Friday. Both sets are Star Wars-themed:
– Luke’s Red Five X-wing: Priced at $69.99, this set allows builders to recreate the iconic starfighter, enhanced with Smart Play features for interactive play.
– Throne Room Duel and A-wing: Retailing at $159.99, this larger set includes scenes and vehicles from the Star Wars universe, brought to life through the Smart Play system.
These sets enable characters like Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to engage in interactive scenarios, such as Lightsaber duels, by responding to Smart Tags and Bricks.
Conclusion
Lego’s introduction of the Smart Play system marks a significant advancement in the realm of interactive toys. By seamlessly blending traditional building with modern technology, Lego offers an enriched, screen-free play experience that stimulates creativity and engagement.
