Lego reveals screen free technology that transforms classic bricks into Smart Toys
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At CES 2026, one of the world’s most iconic toy companies took a decisive step into the future of screen-free interactive play. The Lego Group introduced its new SMART Play system, a range of sensor-enhanced bricks, tags, and figures that allow Lego sets to respond in real time to children’s actions. It marks a major technological pivot for the Danish brand while preserving its most essential quality: imaginative, hands-on building.
The new technology, embedded within standard Lego bricks, is smaller than a single Lego stud. Dubbed the Lego SMART Brick, this custom chip is capable of detecting placement, motion, and even proximity to other bricks or accessories. Paired with SMART Tags and SMART Minifigures, the system brings sets to life with dynamic sound effects and reactive behaviors that unfold as children play, all without screens or mobile apps.
Tom Donaldson, head of the Lego Creative Play Lab, described it as “a new standard for interactive, imaginative experiences.” In a statement, he emphasized Lego’s goal to blend storytelling, creativity, and technology in a way that preserves the open-ended charm of its traditional bricks. “We truly believe we are setting a new standard for interactive, imaginative experiences and can’t wait to see this innovation in the hands of kids when we launch this year,” he said.
Early demonstrations shown on the CES showroom floor illustrated the range of effects possible. A small build attached to a SMART Brick made snoring sounds when a Lego Minifigure lay down beside it. A helicopter build buzzed to life with whooshing rotor sounds as it was lifted into the air. These seemingly simple responses rely on a highly sensitive chip system working in tandem with tagged accessories, a technological step forward packaged in the familiar form of Lego plastic.
This fusion of play and interactivity marks a notable entry into the wider smart toy category but without the concerns of screen addiction or app-based gating. Lego’s decision to deliver these innovations in a screenless, tactile format is as much about philosophy as it is product development. It positions the company as a key player in a growing space of ambient play technology designed to support child development without overt digital mediation.
Star Wars sets lead the first wave of Lego SMART Play
To support the SMART Play launch, Lego unveiled three Star Wars-themed sets, a strategic choice that leverages one of its most successful licensing partnerships. These sets incorporate the SMART Play system and will become available for preorder starting January 9, with official release in select markets set for March 1.
The flagship set in this series, Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, comes in at $69.00 and features 473 pieces. It includes one SMART Brick, a SMART Minifigure of Darth Vader, and a SMART Tag linked to the TIE Fighter vehicle. When played with, users can expect to hear engines roar and targeting computers beep in reaction to positioning or contact.
Luke’s Red Five X-Wing set is priced at $89.00 and includes two SMART Minifigures, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia as well as five SMART Tags embedded in parts like the X-Wing, an Imperial turret, and a command center. This set boasts 584 pieces and is recommended for ages 6 and up, with sound effects that react to take-off simulations, R2-D2 interactions, and even blaster movements.
The largest of the initial batch is the Throne Room Duel & A-Wing set, retailing at $159.99 with 962 pieces. It includes two SMART Bricks, three SMART Minifigures (Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader), and five SMART Tags tied to objects like a Death Star turret and lightsabers that register dueling motions.
By starting with Star Wars, Lego ensures not only commercial appeal but also an ideal sandbox for showing off how SMART Play can enhance storytelling. The sets are as much about narrative play as they are about construction, which is precisely where this technology thrives.
Where to find Lego SMART Play sets and when to order
Consumers will be able to purchase the new SMART Play sets directly from Lego’s official website, at Lego retail stores, and through selected retail partners beginning March 1. However, preorder access opens earlier on January 9, and demand is expected to be high, particularly for the Star Wars editions.
Lego has not announced any exclusive retailer partnerships or regional restrictions yet, though insiders suggest initial availability may be limited to North America and select European markets. Additional set themes are reportedly in development for release later in 2026.
Early access and loyalty rewards may be offered to Lego Insiders, formerly known as VIP members. This follows a broader trend in direct-to-consumer strategy that emphasizes early drops and limited-edition content for top-tier fans.
For parents and collectors eager to get their hands on the SMART Brick system, acting early is advisable. Like many of Lego’s hyped launches, from the Titanic to the Bugatti Chiron sets, stock fluctuations and resale markups can quickly follow after initial release windows close.
Why Lego SMART Play signals a shift in toy innovation
The SMART Play platform doesn’t represent a wholesale reimagining of Lego, the bricks remain the same size, the builds still require time and thought, and the themes continue to leverage globally recognized franchises. But its impact may be more profound in how it changes what Lego means as a tool for storytelling and child development.
Unlike screen-based educational toys, which often rely on locked content or apps, SMART Play fosters interaction between physical components. It’s a tactile, auditory, and spatial system, one that aligns with Lego’s long-standing educational values. It also bypasses the cognitive overload associated with multitasking on tablets or phones.
This also puts Lego into conversation with other toy industry trends in 2026, such as voice-interactive plush toys, AI-powered drawing pads, and robotics kits that learn from user behavior. Yet unlike those products, which often function as “toys with tech,” SMART Play positions itself as “Lego, but more alive.”
The system has drawn interest from child psychologists, many of whom argue that screen-free smart toys, those that respond to behavior without becoming behaviorally dominant, offer the richest environments for cognitive growth. Lego’s careful implementation of responsive tech without dependency is likely to be a benchmark for future design.
Sources
LEGO