TL;DR
LEGO introduced the SMART Play system at CES, consisting of sensor-equipped 2×4 SMART Bricks, SMART Tag tiles and SMART Minifigures that respond to nearby Tags without requiring screens. The bricks run a custom ASIC, use near-field magnetic positioning to read Tag IDs, and link to each other via a Bluetooth protocol called BrickNet.
What happened
At CES, LEGO revealed the SMART Play system, a set of physical components that bring built-in interactivity to traditional bricks. The package includes 2×4 SMART Bricks, 2×2 studless SMART Tag tiles with unique digital IDs, and SMART Minifigures; the Bricks and figures detect nearby Tags and change behavior accordingly. A custom, patent-backed ASIC — reportedly smaller than a single LEGO stud — powers each SMART Brick and handles near-field magnetic positioning to identify Tags. Hardware inside the bricks includes a tiny speaker, an accelerometer and an LED array, enabling context-aware sounds and lighting (for example, propeller noise and motion-reactive lighting for a helicopter build). LEGO also built a Bluetooth-based mesh called BrickNet so multiple SMART Bricks can operate together; the company says BrickNet includes enhanced encryption and privacy controls. The system requires no pairing setup and deliberately avoids using screens. LEGO plans two initial Star Wars-themed SMART Play sets with a March 1 launch and preorders opening the Friday after the announcement.
Why it matters
- Adds digital responses directly into physical builds, blending analog play with embedded electronics without a phone or tablet.
- Near-field Tags allow contextual behaviors tied to specific pieces, enabling modular, set-specific interactivity.
- On-device sensing (accelerometer, LEDs, speaker) supports play that reacts in real time to how kids handle models.
- A proprietary Bluetooth protocol could let multiple bricks coordinate while LEGO says it incorporates stronger encryption and privacy protections.
Key facts
- Announcement made at CES.
- SMART Play system components: 2×4 SMART Brick, 2×2 studless SMART Tag tiles, and SMART Minifigures.
- SMART Tags carry unique digital IDs that tell Bricks and Minifigures how to behave.
- SMART Bricks contain a patented custom ASIC reportedly smaller than a single LEGO stud.
- The system uses near-field magnetic positioning to detect Tags.
- Onboard hardware includes an accelerometer, a miniature speaker and an LED array.
- LEGO built a Bluetooth-based protocol named BrickNet for bricks to recognize and coordinate with each other.
- LEGO states BrickNet uses enhanced encryption and privacy controls.
- No manual pairing or screen-based setup is required to use the SMART Play components.
- First two SMART Play sets are Star Wars-themed, launching March 1; preorder availability begins the Friday after the CES announcement. Prices: $69.99 for the smaller set and $159.99 for the larger set.
What to watch next
- Whether LEGO will expand SMART Play beyond the initial Star Wars sets — not confirmed in the source.
- If and how LEGO will roll out developer tools or third-party integration for BrickNet — not confirmed in the source.
- Long-term details such as battery life, durability and maintenance for SMART Bricks and Tags — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- ASIC: Application-specific integrated circuit — a custom chip designed to perform dedicated tasks efficiently.
- Near-field magnetic positioning: A short-range sensing technique that uses magnetic fields to determine the presence or location of nearby tagged objects.
- Accelerometer: A sensor that measures changes in velocity and orientation, allowing devices to detect motion and tilt.
- Bluetooth: A short-range wireless communication standard commonly used for connecting devices and enabling mesh or peer-to-peer networking.
Reader FAQ
Do SMART Bricks require a phone or app to work?
No — the SMART system is designed to operate without screens or external apps.
What form do SMART Tags take?
SMART Tags are 2×2 studless tiles that carry unique digital IDs.
When do the first SMART Play sets become available?
LEGO's first two SMART Play Star Wars sets are slated to launch on March 1, with preorders opening the Friday after the CES announcement.
Are there details on wider availability, additional themes, or developer support?
Not confirmed in the source.
LEGO announced its new SMART Play system at CES on Monday, adding interactive, responsive LEGOs to the famously analog franchise. The SMART Play system includes a 2×4 brick, SMART Tag…
Sources
- LEGO SMART Bricks introduce a new way to build — and they don’t require screens
- Lego's Smart Brick Gives the Iconic Analog Toy a New …
- Lego to launch smart brick system that reacts as you play
- The Lego brick just got its biggest upgrade yet with Smart …
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