Lego Smart Bricks: Screen-Free Interactive Building

Lego has unveiled a new category of building components designed to function without digital screens. The new Smart Bricks utilize a custom-built ASIC chip to process environmental cues.

The core functionality relies on Smart Tags, which are physical objects that emit signals. When a Smart Brick detects these signals, the internal chip processes the information and triggers a response, such as lighting up or playing a sound. This allows for interactive play that remains grounded in the physical world.

The functionality of the new Smart Bricks is driven by a specialized Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Unlike general-purpose processors, this chip is custom-designed by Lego specifically for the task of detecting environmental signals. The chip allows the brick to "hear" or "sense" instructions from the surrounding area without connecting to the internet.

The system operates through a simple input-and-response mechanism. Smart Tags act as the input devices. These tags are distinct physical markers that broadcast specific signals. When a Smart Brick is brought near a tag, the ASIC chip reads the signal and executes the pre-determined command associated with that tag.

This hardware approach differs significantly from previous electronic Lego sets. Rather than requiring a tablet to visualize a build or control its functions, the Smart Bricks handle all processing internally. This creates a seamless integration of electronics and plastic bricks that functions autonomously.

One of the defining characteristics of the Smart Bricks is their ability to operate without screens. In an era where many educational and construction toys rely heavily on companion apps, Lego has chosen a different path. The interaction is strictly physical: the builder places a Smart Tag, and the brick reacts immediately.

The Smart Tags dictate how the bricks behave. Depending on the tag used, a brick might:

• Light up with an LED
• Play a specific sound effect
• Change its behavior based on proximity

This screen-free approach encourages builders to focus on the physical structure and the placement of the Smart Tags. It removes the barrier of a digital interface, allowing for a more tactile and immediate play experience. The technology is designed to be intuitive, requiring no coding knowledge to operate.

The Smart Tags are the essential trigger mechanism for the Smart Bricks. These tags are not part of the brick itself but are separate elements that the builder introduces to the environment. The ASIC chip inside the brick is constantly scanning for these signals.

When the brick detects a tag, the chip processes the signal and executes the command. This allows for dynamic interactions. For example, a builder could hide a Smart Tag inside a model, and the brick would only activate when the model is opened or a specific panel is removed, revealing the tag to the brick's sensor.

The relationship between the brick and the tag is direct. There is no intermediate device processing the data. The Smart Brick receives the signal and acts on it instantly. This direct communication loop ensures that the interactive elements of the build are responsive and reliable.

The introduction of Smart Bricks with ASIC chips marks a notable evolution in the construction toy market. By embedding intelligence directly into the brick, Lego is expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved with standard building blocks. The ability to add sound and light effects through simple proximity to Smart Tags adds a layer of interactivity that was previously difficult to achieve without complex electronics or screens.

This technology opens up new avenues for creative play. Builders can create models that respond to their environment or to specific triggers hidden within the build. The reliance on physical Smart Tags rather than digital interfaces ensures that the play pattern remains accessible to a wide audience. It represents a shift toward hybrid toys that combine the best of physical construction with responsive digital-like features, all while keeping the screen turned off.