Lego unveils new ‘smart bricks’ with interactive lights and sounds

Lego has revealed new high-tech “smart bricks” that will bring its classic toys to life with lights, sound and interactive movements.

But an early learning expert says it could diminish the potential for imaginative play that makes Lego a good toy for children’s development.

The Danish toy maker unveiled its new Smart Play system this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It includes bricks and figures with electronic elements such as miniature speakers and sensors that allow the toys to respond to movement and sound.

For example, a new Star Wars-The themed set includes pieces that make lightsaber buzzes and engine noises, while a Lego helicopter can make whistling noises when moved or turned.

The toymaker said in a press release that the new products are “designed to inspire children” and “bring an interactive play experience… full of exploration and imaginative storytelling.”

Early Lego toys, like loose bricks that could be put together in different ways, were great for encouraging imaginative play because they gave children the freedom to build whatever they wanted, says Mariana Brussoni, a professor at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine and director of the Human Early Learning Partnership.

However, more modern Lego kits built into specific, predetermined elements can limit that imagination potential and make them less effective as a development tool, she said.

Brussoni says the latter products could have similar limitations.

“If a child hears the sound of a helicopter coming from this particular brick, they won’t use it in a way that wouldn’t otherwise represent a helicopter, right?” she said.

“It just limits children’s options in terms of how their imagination can shape their play.”

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Sensory issues

Dr Jillian Roberts, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Victoria, says she thinks anything that gets kids away from screens and encourages them to play with each other is a positive thing.

“If Lego could create something that would make it cool to not be on a device or screen, allowing kids to go back to building things and interacting with each other in real life, I don’t see that as a bad thing,” she said.

But the toys might not be suitable for children with sensory issues, such as those with autism spectrum disorder or photosensitive epilepsy, she said.

“Parents purchasing these toys should therefore consider their child’s ability to manage their sensory input.”

The new toys are expected to hit the market on March 1, with pre-orders opening this Friday, Lego’s website says.

They’re not cheap, either: A Darth Vader-themed set costs US$69.99 (or about $97) while another featuring Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia costs US$89.99 (or just over $124).