Lego's Smart Bricks: A Leap into Tech or a Step Back for Imagination?

Lego has just introduced Smart Bricks, a new line of high-tech building blocks that can light up, make sounds, and react to movement. This news was shared at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas. While Lego sees this as a big step forward, not everyone is happy. Some experts worry that adding so much technology might take away the simple joy of building and imagining. These new bricks are part of Lego's Smart Play system. They come with sensors, lights, and even tiny sound makers. Lego says they will make playtime more exciting, especially with new Star Wars sets coming out in March. But critics argue that kids don't need fancy tech to have fun. They believe the best part of Lego is using your own creativity to build and tell stories. Josh Golin, who works with a group called Fairplay, thinks Smart Bricks might take the fun out of playing. He says kids already make their Lego creations come to life with their imaginations. Adding too much tech could mean kids rely on the bricks to do the work for them. Andrew Manches, a professor who studies children and technology, agrees. He loves that Lego lets kids create whatever they want. But he also thinks Lego's new tech could be a good way to mix digital and physical play.Lego's chief product officer, Julia Goldin, says the company isn't afraid of digital tech. She believes it can make playing with Lego even better. The Smart Bricks can sense movement and react in different ways. For example, a Lego cake can play a birthday song when the candles are blown out. A helicopter can make sounds and light up when it crashes. Tom Donaldson, who leads Lego's Creative Play Lab, hopes these reactions will keep kids engaged and playing. But there are concerns beyond just play. Experts worry about the safety and privacy of smart toys, especially those with AI. Prof. Manches says we should all think carefully about how these toys affect kids' lives. This isn't Lego's first try at mixing tech and play. Since 2017, they've had apps that use augmented reality. They've also teamed up with video game companies to make special sets, like a Super Mario Minifigure with a tiny screen. Lego's CEO, Niels B. Christiansen, has said the company is investing more in digital tech. He sees it as a key part of Lego's future. But the question remains: Will Smart Bricks make playtime better, or will they take away the simple magic of Lego?