Lego’s Smart Brick: A New Era of Play

Lego is poised to revolutionize playtime with its new Smart Brick, a technological advancement the toymaker compares to the sophisticated systems found in an F-16 fighter jet helmet. After over 70 years of largely unchanged building blocks, Lego is introducing what it calls its “most revolutionary innovation” in nearly 50 years.

Introducing the Smart Play System

The Smart Play system centers around the Smart Brick, a 2×4 stud brick that houses a custom-made mixed-signal 4.1mm ASIC chip. This chip enables the brick to sense motion, distance, and position, and to respond dynamically to play. For example, a Lego helicopter equipped with a Smart Brick could simulate a ‘whooshing’ sound during flight or flash red upon impact.

Precision Positioning Technology

Lego’s technical director, Andrew Knights, highlighted the 3D positioning system, known as Neighbor Position Measurement (NPM), as a key achievement. According to Knights, the accuracy of NPM, down to the millimeter, is comparable to technology used in F-16 fighter jet helmets to track a pilot’s gaze [Source: Jays Brick Blog].

Wireless Charging and Connectivity

The Smart Bricks charge wirelessly, simplifying the process for parents. They can also be recharged while assembled, eliminating the need for disassembly. The Smart Play system also includes Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags tiles, all designed to communicate wirelessly with each other.

Initial Launch and Future Expansion

The Smart Play system will initially launch with three Star Wars-themed sets: Luke’s X-Wing, Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, and the Emperor’s Throne Room Duel. These sets are available for pre-order now, with shipping scheduled to begin in March. Lego has also announced plans to release five additional Star Wars-themed kits, including Yoda’s Hut and the Millennium Falcon [Source: Jays Brick Blog].