Lego Smart Brick: Inside the 15-Minute CES Demo

The Lego Smart Brick emerged as a standout innovation at CES 2026, securing the coveted Best in Show award. The accolade followed a compelling demonstration by Lego designer Maarten Simons that showcased the potential of these interactive building blocks.

To bring this experience to a wider audience, a unique 15-minute immersive video was filmed inside Lego's private suite in Las Vegas. Captured using a modified Qoocam Q3 Ultra camera, the footage offers a spatial stereoscopic 3D view of the technology in action, allowing viewers to virtually attend the same demonstration that captivated CES attendees.

The Lego Smart Brick technology proved its worth on the CES show floor, earning top honors for its forward-thinking approach to construction play. Maarten Simons, a Lego designer, led the presentation, demonstrating the capabilities of the bricks with expert precision. The demonstration highlighted how these bricks go beyond traditional building, integrating digital interactivity directly into the physical blocks.

The recognition as Best in Show underscores the impact of the technology. It signals a significant evolution in how users interact with the iconic toy, blending tactile satisfaction with digital feedback.

• Winner of the Best in Show award at CES 2026
• Demonstrated by Lego designer Maarten Simons
• Highlights digital interactivity in physical bricks

To capture the demo for virtual viewing, a specialized filming setup was employed. A Qoocam Q3 Ultra camera, modified by Siyang Qi for VR180 capture, was used to record a 15-minute uncut video. This equipment choice was crucial for creating an immersive record of the event.

The resulting footage is not just a standard video; it is a spatial stereoscopic 3D recording. This format creates a sense of depth and presence, making the viewer feel as if they are standing right there in Lego's suite. The video was filmed before the team departed Las Vegas, ensuring the demo environment was preserved exactly as it was presented.

The immersive video is designed for maximum accessibility, allowing anyone to experience the demo regardless of their hardware. The VR180 format offers multiple ways to view the content, ensuring that the technology is easy to access and enjoy.

Viewers can choose the method that best suits their setup:

• VR Headsets: Experience full immersion with devices like the Meta Quest.
• Flat Screens: Use a mouse or touchscreen to tap-to-drag and explore the scene.
• Mobile Sensors: Tilt your device using built-in sensors for a dynamic viewing angle.

This flexibility ensures that the innovative demo can be shared widely, from dedicated VR enthusiasts to casual viewers on standard screens.

At the heart of this experience is the Qoocam Q3 Ultra, a camera specifically modded for VR180 capture by Siyang Qi. This device captures two distinct perspectives, mimicking human binocular vision to create a true 3D effect. The result is spatial stereoscopic video, which provides a realistic sense of distance and scale.

When viewed in a headset, the video creates a powerful illusion of presence. The ability to film a 15-minute, uncut sequence demonstrates the reliability and user-friendliness of the setup, even in a busy convention environment. This technical achievement makes the Lego Smart Brick demo accessible to a global audience, transcending the physical limitations of the CES show floor.

The Lego Smart Brick demonstration at CES 2026 offers a compelling glimpse into the future of interactive play. By combining physical building with digital immersion, Lego continues to innovate within a classic formula. The use of VR180 technology to share this demo further illustrates how digital tools can enhance and distribute experiences.

As the technology behind smart toys evolves, the line between the physical and digital worlds will continue to blur. The success of this demo suggests a growing appetite for hybrid play experiences that offer both tactile engagement and digital interactivity.