Lego Smart Play hands-on: Using Smart Brick technology to get kids to play together

Lego's Smart Play system, revealed at CES 2026, introduces digital technology to enhance traditional brick building. The system relies on Smart Bricks, featuring sensors and a speaker, combined with Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures for interactivity. These elements work together to bring Lego sets to life, responding to physical actions and character interactions. The initial sets, based on Star Wars, include a car, helicopter, and duck each with their own unique sounds. The Star Wars sets, such as the Throne Room Duel, feature light saber battles with sound effects. The TIE Fighter and X-Wing sets create realistic spaceship sounds during play. The Smart Bricks are sensitive to multiple inputs, and each ship can also play sounds to indicate damage. The sets are designed to withstand active play, with removable battle areas for more intense engagement. The author is excited about the Smart Play system's potential, especially for expanding existing sets. Lego aims Smart Play at children, focusing on easy, screen-free play to encourage social interaction. The technology's goal is to make Lego sets more interactive and appealing for young fans.