LEGO introduces ‘Smart Brick’ that has tiny computer inside

LEGO has announced its latest ambitions: smart game system.

Smart bricks are essentially classic Lego 2X4 bricks with a tiny computer and lights inside. When the computer detects a Smart Tag tile, minifigure, or other NFC-equipped smart module, the block lights up and makes a sound. The company describes it as bringing entire Lego sets to life.

The company will begin using them in Lego Star Wars sets, where they will make lightsabers hum, blasters light up and ship engines roar.

Now these Smart Bricks and other Smart Play initiatives announced at CES are not like LEGO Mario sets made a while ago. While it sounds similar, these kits used a completely different system that basically only activated when their bottom-mounted cameras detected color or barcodes. These new Smart Play sets can charge wirelessly, feature a charging pad that charges multiple devices at once, and support a battery that will “still last after years of inactivity.”

In addition to lighting, the new cubes will include light and inertial sensors to detect motion, tilt and gestures. The units also form a Bluetooth mesh network with other smart units, allowing them to learn about their position and orientation. The bricks are also equipped with a microphone; however, it will be used more as a virtual button rather than a recording device.

The computer inside is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that's smaller than a Lego pin, and the firmware can be updated via a smartphone app. There is also no artificial intelligence inside the smart blocks and cameras.

The first sets will go on sale on March 1st and, as mentioned earlier, they will all consist of LEGO Star Wars:

• • • LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Red Five X-Wing Luke: 584 pieces, two smart minifigures (Luke and Leia) and five SMART tags (X-Wing, Imperial Turret, Transporter, Command Center and so-called “R2-D2 accessories”). Retail price: $90 USD (approx. $124.23 CAD).
    • LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Darth Vader's TIE Fighter: 473 pieces, one smart die, one TIE Fighter smart tag and one smart figure. Retail price: $70 USD (approx. $124.23 CAD).
    • LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Duel in the Throne Room and Wing A: 962 pieces, two smart bricks, three smart minifigures, five smart tags (A-wing, throne, Death Star turret, two lightsabers). Retail price: $160 USD (approx. $220.85 CAD).

Overall, this is definitely a unique concept that I doubt Lego will limit to just a few Star Wars sets. There are rumors from Edge what's coming Lego Pokemon sets will receive them, although I would like to see this in future The Legend of Zelda sets.

Source: Edge