Lego Introduces Smart Bricks: A Blend of Tech and Imagination

Mon Feb 02 2026 19:45:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Lego's launch of Smart Bricks at CES 2026 aims to transform playtime with tech-infused building blocks while raising concerns among experts about the impact on children's imaginative play.

Lego has revealed its new Smart Bricks at CES 2026, integrating technology such as sensors, lights, and sound into its classic building blocks. While this innovation promises to enhance play by allowing models to respond to movement and touch, experts warn that it may compromise the imaginative aspects that have historically defined Lego play.

Lego has unveiled Smart Bricks - tech-filled versions of its small building blocks - promising to bring sets to life with sound, light, and reactions to movement. However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions from play experts who express concern that this new direction might undermine Lego's essential appeal in an increasingly digital landscape.

Introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, the Smart Play system incorporates electronic components to the classic plastic building blocks. Lego denotes this line of tech-enabled products as its most revolutionary innovation in nearly fifty years, marking a shift in how children may interact with their creations.

Despite the exhilaration surrounding its launch, Josh Golin, executive director of children's wellbeing group Fairplay, pointed out that Smart Bricks might disrupt the traditional strengths of Lego, particularly by diminishing the role of imagination in play. He remarked that children currently create movement and sounds through their creativity, implying that additional technical features may be unnecessary.

Andrew Manches, a children's technology professor at the University of Edinburgh, echoed these sentiments, but acknowledged Lego's attempt to merge physical play with digital interactivity. Julia Goldin, Lego's chief product and marketing officer, defended the initiative, stating that digital integration aims to complement rather than threaten traditional play experiences.

The Smart Bricks, measuring 2x4, come equipped with sensors, lights, a sound synthesizer, and an accelerometer powered by a custom silicon chip. They interact with Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags, which together expand the range of possible play scenarios. For example, the Smart Brick might trigger celebratory sounds upon blowing out candles on a Lego birthday cake or produce a crash sound if a Lego helicopter is moved abruptly.

Tom Donaldson, head of Lego's Creative Play Lab, shared that the Smart Bricks are designed to respond intuitively to children's actions, enhancing their play experiences while inspiring creativity. However, experts have cautioned about the implications of security and privacy surrounding smart toys, particularly those integrating artificial intelligence.

Lego has previously explored digital themes, releasing augmented reality apps and collaborating with popular video game franchises to maintain relevance in a digital-first world. As part of its strategic focus on technology, Lego has expressed commitment to evolving its offerings while still valuing the classic imaginative play that has defined its legacy.