According to AIbase, the LEGO Group made a stunning debut of its new "Smart Play" system at CES2026. This is the most significant evolution of the physical brick system since the introduction of the LEGO minifigure in 1978. The system cleverly embeds sensing and response technology into traditional bricks, aiming to let children experience the fusion of technology and imagination in an environment completely free of screens, through an interactive approach that "breathes" and provides feedback.
The system's core consists of 2x4 "smart bricks," a 2x2 "smart label brick" with an embedded unique digital ID, and dedicated "smart minifigures." Its technological secret lies in a patented custom ASIC chip measuring only 4.1 millimeters in diameter (smaller than a LEGO brick stud). This chip integrates a series of high-precision sensors, a miniature speaker, an accelerometer, and an LED array. Based on near-field magnetic positioning technology, smart bricks can accurately identify the identity of surrounding labels. For example, when a brick detects a helicopter label, it will immediately trigger a rotor sound effect and lights. Meanwhile, the built-in accelerometer can adjust the sound effects in real-time based on how the child manipulates the plane (such as diving or rolling over).
To enable collaboration among multiple components, LEGO has developed its own Bluetooth-based BrickNet protocol. This special communication method allows different smart bricks to recognize each other's positions and spatial orientation without any pairing settings or complex app controls, truly achieving "plug-and-play." Considering security, BrickNet uses enhanced encryption and strict privacy controls to ensure safe data circulation locally. Interestingly, LEGO even joked on its official website that it will launch a smart label that can make a LEGO toilet animated, adding a touch of humor to this high-tech system.
Currently, LEGO has announced the first two "Smart Play" sets, both themed around "Star Wars," which will be officially released globally in March, with pre-sales starting this Friday. The "Luke's Red X-Wing Fighter" set is priced at $69.99, while the larger "Throne Room Duel and A-Wing Fighter" set is priced at $159.99. These sets not only allow the minifigures of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to "move" via smart labels but also perfectly simulate classic scenes of Force duels and lightsaber battles.
