Lego has launched "Smart Bricks," technologically enhanced building blocks that incorporate sound, light, and motion reactions, aiming to bring sets to life. This innovation, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, has garnered mixed reactions from play experts.

• The new "Smart Play" system, launching in March with a new Star Wars set, integrates electronic components into classic plastic blocks.
• Josh Golin, executive director of children’s wellbeing group Fairplay, expressed concern that Smart Bricks could "undermine what was once great about Legos" by reducing reliance on children's imagination.
• Smart Bricks are 2x4 in size and contain sensors, lights, a sound synthesiser, an accelerometer, and a custom-made silicon chip, enabling them to detect and react to movement.
• Andrew Manches, professor of children and technology at the University of Edinburgh, noted that reduced costs and sizes of components are enabling more toymakers to integrate digital technology, but raised concerns about the security and privacy of smart toys.