In a surprising move at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, the iconic toy brand LEGO stole the spotlight by introducing a groundbreaking new product line: Smart Bricks. Unlike the majority of tech showcased at the event, this innovative system brings digital interactivity to physical play without relying on artificial intelligence or a constant internet connection.
What Are LEGO Smart Bricks?
Developed by the Lego Group's Creative Play Team, Smart Bricks are a new generation of building blocks with embedded electronics. The core of this technology is a custom 4.1mm ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) that packs integrated sensors, RGB lights, a radio stack, and a speaker system with an onboard synthesizer. Each brick is powered by an internal rechargeable battery that charges wirelessly via an electromagnetic field, ensuring functionality even when buried deep within a creation.
The ecosystem includes the core Smart Bricks, along with Smart Tag tiles and Smart Minifigures. Together, they form the 'Lego Smart Play' interactive platform, designed to make constructions responsive. The system uses a near-magnetic field sensing technology with copper coils to detect the proximity and position of bricks relative to each other, enabling creations to react to a user's actions.
Hands-On Demonstrations and Features
At CES, LEGO demonstrated the potential of Smart Bricks with captivating prototypes. A built birthday cake recognized when its candles were 'blown out,' responding with cheers and a Happy Birthday song. A helicopter model produced realistic whooshing sounds when moved or its rotors spun, with the bricks flashing red upon a simulated crash.
The audio is generated in real-time based on data from the Smart Minifigures and Tags, allowing for dynamic soundscapes. Crucially, LEGO has emphasized privacy and simplicity: the sets will not include any cameras, voice recording capabilities, or cloud-based features. Updates will be managed through a companion app for firmware, avoiding the need for an always-online device.
Launch Details: Star Wars Takes the First Step
LEGO has announced that the Smart Bricks technology will first be available in three all-in-one Star Wars themed sets. These sets will feature iconic elements from the franchise, including blaster shot sounds, engine roars, and the distinctive hum of lightsabers, complemented by dynamic lighting effects.
The launch sets vary in size and price:
- Number of pieces ranging from 473 to 962.
- Priced between $70 and $160.
Pre-orders for these Star Wars Lego Smart Play sets will open on January 9, with general sales beginning on March 1. They will be available at select retail stores and on LEGO's official website.
This launch marks a significant step for LEGO, merging its classic, hands-on creative play with seamless digital interaction, all while maintaining its offline, imaginative core. It presents a new avenue for builders, especially in tech-savvy markets like India, to experience their favourite universes like Star Wars in a more immersive way.
