LEGO Unveils SMART Play Technology for Engaging Interactive Builds
FOX Business’ Jeff Flock reports from Legoland in Goshen, New York, where the children’s toy brand is trying to inspire innovative and imaginative summer learning.
LEGO is stepping beyond its classic building blocks with a new screen-free technology aimed at making children’s creations interactive and responsive during playtime.
This innovative platform was unveiled on Monday at CES 2026, the renowned consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas. LEGO showcased how embedded technology can animate physical builds, bringing them “to life” without the need for phones or tablets.
The LEGO SMART Play platform incorporates sensors and interactive elements into select bricks and figures, enabling creations to produce sounds, lights, and effects based on their assembly and usage.
According to LEGO, this approach is designed to keep children engaged in hands-on building, enhancing the play experience by making physical creations more responsive.
GIFTS FOR ADULTS WHO LOVE TO BUILD: LEGO SETS, 3D WOODEN PUZZLES AND MINI MODEL KITS
The LEGO SMART Brick is demonstrated during a LEGO press conference ahead of the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“The launch of LEGO SMART Play brings creativity, technology, and storytelling together to make building worlds and stories even more engaging, and all without a screen,” said Tom Donaldson, the senior vice president and head of creative play lab at the LEGO Group.
“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.”
TEEN WITH RARE CONDITION USES LEGO BRICKS TO BUILD ‘IRON MAN’-INSPIRED PROSTHETIC ARM
A presentation takes place during the LEGO SMART Play launch event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 5, 2026. (David Becker/Getty Images for The LEGO Group / Getty Images)
LEGO SMART Play is set to launch on March 1, featuring a lineup of Star Wars sets that utilize built-in technology to enhance sounds and effects in builds.
“For the first time in LEGO Star Wars history, with LEGO SMART Play sets, the battle comes to life, allowing fans to recreate iconic scenes and interactions, as well as create new ones,” the toy manufacturer stated on its website.
Julia Goldin, chief product and marketing officer of the LEGO Group, speaks on stage during the LEGO SMART Play launch event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 5, 2026. (David Becker/Getty Images for The LEGO Group / Getty Images)
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“Fans can unlock SMART features such as Lightsaber hums with the SMART minifigures of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, the engine roar of the A-wing, and even listen to ‘The Imperial March’ with Emperor Palpatine sitting on his throne,” LEGO added.
The company claims this new platform represents its “biggest innovation” since the introduction of the first LEGO minifigure in 1978.
FOX Business’ Jeff Flock reports from Legoland in Goshen, New York, where the children’s toy brand is trying to inspire innovative and imaginative summer learning.
LEGO is stepping beyond its classic building blocks with a new screen-free technology aimed at making children’s creations interactive and responsive during playtime.
This innovative platform was unveiled on Monday at CES 2026, the renowned consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas. LEGO showcased how embedded technology can animate physical builds, bringing them “to life” without the need for phones or tablets.
The LEGO SMART Play platform incorporates sensors and interactive elements into select bricks and figures, enabling creations to produce sounds, lights, and effects based on their assembly and usage.
According to LEGO, this approach is designed to keep children engaged in hands-on building, enhancing the play experience by making physical creations more responsive.
GIFTS FOR ADULTS WHO LOVE TO BUILD: LEGO SETS, 3D WOODEN PUZZLES AND MINI MODEL KITS
The LEGO SMART Brick is demonstrated during a LEGO press conference ahead of the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“The launch of LEGO SMART Play brings creativity, technology, and storytelling together to make building worlds and stories even more engaging, and all without a screen,” said Tom Donaldson, the senior vice president and head of creative play lab at the LEGO Group.
“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.”
TEEN WITH RARE CONDITION USES LEGO BRICKS TO BUILD ‘IRON MAN’-INSPIRED PROSTHETIC ARM
A presentation takes place during the LEGO SMART Play launch event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 5, 2026. (David Becker/Getty Images for The LEGO Group / Getty Images)
LEGO SMART Play is set to launch on March 1, featuring a lineup of Star Wars sets that utilize built-in technology to enhance sounds and effects in builds.
“For the first time in LEGO Star Wars history, with LEGO SMART Play sets, the battle comes to life, allowing fans to recreate iconic scenes and interactions, as well as create new ones,” the toy manufacturer stated on its website.
Julia Goldin, chief product and marketing officer of the LEGO Group, speaks on stage during the LEGO SMART Play launch event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 5, 2026. (David Becker/Getty Images for The LEGO Group / Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Fans can unlock SMART features such as Lightsaber hums with the SMART minifigures of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, the engine roar of the A-wing, and even listen to ‘The Imperial March’ with Emperor Palpatine sitting on his throne,” LEGO added.
The company claims this new platform represents its “biggest innovation” since the introduction of the first LEGO minifigure in 1978.
