LEGO has announced a notable advancement in its product line, introducing the LEGO SMART Play platform at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. This new technology aims to enhance children's play experiences by integrating sensors and interactive elements into select LEGO bricks and figures, allowing creations to produce sounds, lights, and effects based on their assembly and usage.
The introduction of LEGO SMART Play is intended to keep children engaged in hands-on building while making their physical creations more responsive. Tom Donaldson, senior vice president and head of the LEGO Group's creative play lab, emphasized that this innovation merges creativity, technology, and storytelling without the need for screens. He expressed anticipation for children to experience this new interactive play format.
The launch of LEGO SMART Play is set for March 1, with an initial focus on Star Wars-themed sets. These sets will feature built-in technology that enhances play by adding audio effects and interactive elements. For example, fans will be able to unlock specific sounds associated with iconic characters and vehicles, such as lightsaber sounds and music from the Star Wars franchise.
LEGO has described this platform as its most significant innovation since the introduction of the LEGO minifigure in 1978, aiming to redefine interactive and imaginative play experiences. The company’s approach reflects a broader trend in the toy industry towards integrating technology into traditional play formats, seeking to engage children in new and dynamic ways while maintaining the tactile experience of building with LEGO bricks.