Reporting from Legoland in Goshen, New York, it’s noted that children’s toy brands are working to foster creative learning this summer.
Lego is stepping beyond just typical building blocks. There’s this new screen-free technology that allows children’s creations to respond and move during playtime.
This innovation was revealed during CES 2026, a consumer electronics showcase in Las Vegas, highlighting how embedded technology can animate physical Lego builds without needing a phone or tablet.
The LEGO SMART Play platform features sensors and interactive components in select bricks and figures. It enables creations to emit sounds, lights, and effects based on how they are assembled and utilized.
According to Lego, this new strategy aims to keep kids focused on practical building while enhancing the interactivity of their physical designs.
Looking for something for adults who enjoy building? Think Lego sets, 3D wooden puzzles, or mini model kits.
Lego Smart Bricks showcased during a press conference ahead of CES on January 5, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tom Donaldson, Senior Vice President and Head of Creative Play Lab at LEGO Group, mentioned, “The launch of LEGO Smart Play merges creativity, technology, and storytelling to create more engaging worlds without relying on screens.”
“We believe this sets a new bar for interactive experiences, and we’re excited to get this innovation into kids’ hands when it launches this year,” he added.
A teenager, dealing with a rare condition, creatively uses Lego pieces to build a prosthetic arm inspired by Iron Man.
The presentation occurred at the LEGO SMART Play launch event on January 5, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LEGO SMART Play is set to launch on March 1st, featuring a series of Star Wars sets that incorporate built-in technology for sound and effects in the builds.
For the first time in LEGO Star Wars history, these sets allow fans to replicate iconic scenes or create new interactions, as mentioned by the company.
Julia Goldin, chief product and marketing officer for the LEGO Group, speaks during the launch event on January 5, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Fans can tap into SMART features too, like lightsaber sounds with Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker minifigures, engine sounds for the A-Wing, or even hear Emperor Palpatine’s ‘Imperial March’ while he’s seated on his throne.
LEGO describes this new platform as the most significant innovation since the introduction of the first LEGO minifigure in 1978.
