Lego is integrating technology into its classic interlocking brick system with the Smart Brick, launched as part of a larger Smart Play range of building sets. The Smart Bricks can emit colors and motions and sounds, capabilities that Lego says create a more immersive and interactive play experience for kids — without the screens.
On Smart Play Sets, kids can move the Smart Brick around the build so it does different things on different parts of the build. For example, in Darth Vader's Tie Fighter (about $69), the brick will make Darth Vader sounds if moved to the mini figure. It makes fighter sounds if moved to the fighter assembly. It will play the Imperial March and make engine sounds if moved to the back of the Fighter.
Each brick has an array of sensors. The Smart Play Sets are a bit more expensive.