Lego consistently unveils groundbreaking innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and this year is no exception. While the Danish company doesn’t participate in the Las Vegas event annually, when they do, they bring truly remarkable concepts to life. Following the introduction of programmable Lego Boost nine years ago, Lego is now introducing a new era of play with its Smart Brick system.
Did You Know? The global Lego market was valued at approximately $8.3 billion in 2023,with projections indicating continued growth driven by technological advancements and innovative product lines like Smart Play.
The newly announced Smart Play system promises to revolutionize how you interact with Lego creations. It breathes life into builds through responsive lights and sounds, reacting to how both children and adults engage with their constructions. Lego asserts this represents their most notable innovation in the company’s history. but what does this mean for the future of play, and how does it differ from previous attempts at integrating technology into the Lego universe?
Understanding the Lego Smart Play System
Lego’s Smart Play isn’t just about adding electronics to bricks; it’s about creating a dynamic, interactive experience. The system comprises several key elements designed to work seamlessly together.These include the Smart Brick itself, which acts as the central hub, along with tags and miniature figures equipped with the technology.
Pro tip: Consider the potential for educational applications. Smart Play could be integrated into STEM learning activities, allowing children to build and program interactive models that demonstrate scientific principles.
This integration allows your Lego creations to respond to touch, movement, and even the surrounding environment. Imagine building a Lego dragon that roars when you approach it, or a spaceship that lights up as it “flies” through the room. The possibilities are vast, and Lego is positioning this as a way to unlock even greater creativity and creativity.
Key Components of the Smart Play Ecosystem
* Smart Bricks: These are the core of the system, containing sensors, lights, and the processing power to bring your builds to life.
* Smart Tags: These small, attachable tags can be added to existing Lego sets to give them interactive capabilities.
* Smart figures: Miniature figures equipped with sensors and connectivity, allowing them to interact with the environment and other Lego creations.
* Companion App: A dedicated app will likely be essential for programming and customizing the behaviour of your Smart Play creations.
