Lego’s New Smart Brick and Interactive Play Technology Might Entirely Transform the Toy Industry

The Lego Group unveiled a new interactive platform set at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and it just might transform the world of play and how kids interact with their toys.

Called Lego Smart Play, the invention allows builders to bring their Lego creations to life, like allowing a Lego dinosaur to roar or a Lego creature to snore after a child puts it to sleep.

“Lego Smart Play represents one of the most significant evolutions in the Lego System-in-Play since the introduction of the Lego Minifigure in 1978,” the company wrote in a press release.

Designed to inspire children, Lego Smart Play turns their imaginative ideas into reality, bringing their creations to life with moments of surprise and discovery. The Lego Smart Play platform elements – the Lego Smart Brick, Lego SmartTags, and Lego Smart Minifigures – react in real-time to bring an interactive play experience to kids that is full of exploration and imaginative storytelling.

The new platform features more than 20 patented world-firsts within its technology, and the Lego Smart Brick – at the heart of the platform – is powered by a custom-made chip, measuring smaller than a standard Lego stud.

The Smart Brick includes sensors, accelerometers, light-sensing technology and a sound sensor, as well as a miniature speaker driven by an onboard synthesiser, in addition to easy wireless charging.

Lego Smart Tags and Lego Smart Minifigures are paired with the Lego Smart Brick to power the system and allow builders’ creations to become interactive, responding to actions with appropriate sounds and behaviors, allowing for a truly responsive play experience. All elements are compatible with the existing Lego System-in-Play.

“For over 90 years, the LEGO Group has sparked imagination and creativity in children around the globe. As the world evolves, so do we — innovating to meet the play needs of each new generation. Lego Smart Play is the next exciting chapter in our Lego System-in-Play and something we are super excited about being able to bring to the world at this scale,” said Julia Goldin, chief product & marketing officer of the Lego Group.

The new system will continue to expand through new updates, launches and technology – with the Lego Group set to reveal more additions in the future.