Lego has just revealed its new Smart Bricks at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. These aren’t your average building blocks. With these tech-filled bricks, kids can create models that light up, make sounds, and respond to movement.
But not everyone is thrilled. Experts worry that this innovation might take away the magic of traditional Lego. Josh Golin, from the children’s group Fairplay, points out that the joy of Lego lies in using imagination. “Kids already make their creations come to life through play,” he explained. He fears that Smart Bricks shift the focus from children to technology.
Andrew Manches, a professor at the University of Edinburgh, agreed that traditional Lego fosters creativity. However, he sees potential in merging physical and digital play. Lego’s chief product officer, Julia Goldin, shares this view. She mentioned that digital tools could enhance hands-on activities rather than replace them.
So, what exactly are Smart Bricks? They come with sensors that detect motion, position, and distance. This means the bricks interact with their surroundings during play. The Smart Brick, measuring 2×4, contains lights, sounds, and even a small chip that helps it respond. It’s designed to work with Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags, which trigger specific reactions when they come close to each other. For example, when someone blows out candles on a Lego birthday cake, it celebrates with music.
Tom Donaldson, from Lego’s Creative Play Lab, emphasized that the Smart Brick aims to inspire kids. He wants the products to support natural play and surprise children, encouraging them to keep creating.
Yet, there are real concerns about safety and privacy with smart toys. Experts urge caution as more toys use technology. It’s essential to stay aware of how these innovations may impact children’s lives.
Lego has explored digital play before. Since 2017, it has embraced augmented reality and collaborated with popular gaming names, appealing to a digital-savvy audience. The company’s CEO, Niels B. Christiansen, said in their 2024 Annual Report that Lego is focusing more on digital capabilities.
In the end, while Smart Bricks could open new avenues for creativity, they also raise questions about the balance between tech and imaginative play. It’s a topic that appears to resonate widely, especially as discussions about children interacting with technology grow more relevant each day.
For further insights into children’s interaction with tech, you might explore resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which discusses screen time and child development.
Source link
