Lego unveiled its new "Smart Bricks" at the annual Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, on Wednesday, integrating advanced technology into its classic building blocks. The Smart Bricks, developed over the past three years, incorporate miniature sensors, processing units, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to interact with each other and external devices.

The company stated that the Smart Bricks are designed to enhance play experiences by enabling children to create interactive models that respond to their environment and user input. For example, a Lego car built with Smart Bricks could be programmed to change speed based on light levels or stop automatically before hitting an obstacle. The bricks can be programmed using a visual coding interface accessible via a tablet or computer.

"We believe that technology can augment the creative potential of Lego bricks," said Astrid Sundby, Lead Product Designer at Lego, in a press release. "Smart Bricks allow children to explore coding and engineering concepts in a playful and intuitive way."

However, the announcement has been met with some unease from child development experts. Concerns center around the potential for over-stimulation and the displacement of traditional, imaginative play. Dr. Evelyn Carter, a professor of child psychology at the University of Copenhagen, expressed reservations. "While the integration of technology is inevitable, we must be mindful of its impact on children's cognitive development. Unstructured play is crucial for fostering creativity and problem-solving skills," she stated.

The Smart Bricks utilize a low-power Bluetooth 5.0 chip for communication and feature a rechargeable battery with an estimated lifespan of five hours of continuous use. Each brick contains a gyroscope, accelerometer, and a light sensor. The processing unit is based on an ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller.

The introduction of Smart Bricks represents a significant shift in Lego's product strategy, moving beyond purely physical construction toys. This move reflects a broader trend in the toy industry, with manufacturers increasingly incorporating digital technology into their offerings to appeal to tech-savvy children.

Lego plans to release the Smart Bricks as part of a new "Lego Technic Innovation Set" in the fall of this year. The set will include approximately 800 Smart Bricks and a variety of traditional Lego Technic elements. The company has not yet announced the official retail price, but industry analysts estimate it will be in the range of $350 to $400. Lego intends to continue developing new functionalities and applications for the Smart Bricks through software updates and community-generated content.