Skip to content
  • About
  • Services
    • Phone Interview
    • Initial Meeting
    • Invention Analysis
    • Plan of Action
    • Invention Design
    • 2D/3D Illustrations
    • Invention Engineering
    • Patent Protection
    • Market Research
    • Manufacturers Search
    • Invention Brochures
    • Licensing & Royalties
  • Submit
  • Benefits
  • Blog
  • Contact
Menu
  • About
  • Services
    • Phone Interview
    • Initial Meeting
    • Invention Analysis
    • Plan of Action
    • Invention Design
    • 2D/3D Illustrations
    • Invention Engineering
    • Patent Protection
    • Market Research
    • Manufacturers Search
    • Invention Brochures
    • Licensing & Royalties
  • Submit
  • Benefits
  • Blog
  • Contact

972-402-0000

Irving, Texas

  • About
  • Services
    • Phone Interview
    • Initial Meeting
    • Invention Analysis
    • Plan of Action
    • Invention Design
    • 2D/3D Illustrations
    • Invention Engineering
    • Patent Protection
    • Market Research
    • Manufacturers Search
    • Invention Brochures
    • Licensing & Royalties
  • Submit
  • Benefits
  • Blog
  • Contact
Menu
  • About
  • Services
    • Phone Interview
    • Initial Meeting
    • Invention Analysis
    • Plan of Action
    • Invention Design
    • 2D/3D Illustrations
    • Invention Engineering
    • Patent Protection
    • Market Research
    • Manufacturers Search
    • Invention Brochures
    • Licensing & Royalties
  • Submit
  • Benefits
  • Blog
  • Contact
Free Invention Analysis

‘Smart’ Blocks Turn Lego Creations into Web-Connected Toys

  • June 8, 2016

New Lego-compatible blocks created by quantum physicists could amp up your best creations by adding internet connectivity, electronic sensors, motors and lights to existing Lego sets.

The new devices, from Israel-based Brixo Smart Toys, use chrome-plated blocks that conduct electricity to connect batteries with electronics. The blocks are safe to hold, just as regular batteries are, the researchers said.

“The human body resists electrical currents from passing though it — it has a high electrical resistance,” said Brixo founder Boaz Almog, a quantum physicist at Tel Aviv University. “At low voltages — less than 15 volts — almost no current enters the human body upon contact, and hence no harm is done.”

There are currently four kinds of electric blocks. In addition to the chrome-plated connector blocks, the researchers developed another that can hold a regular 9-volt battery, constantly monitor electric current to prevent short circuits, and conserve power when creations are idle in order to extend battery life.

Others, dubbed “action blocks,” may contain motors to move creations or LEDs that can light up Lego designs. So-called “trigger blocks” contain sound, light and proximity sensors to help creations respond to their surroundings, and they can also grant creations wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, the researchers said.

In combination with Lego Technic sets — which include wheels, rods and other complex parts — machines such as cranes and Ferris wheels can be created. Moreover, wireless connectivity allows people to control their creations via their smartphones or even remotely and automatically through the internet, the researchers said. For instance, it could be possible to turn on all of the smart home devices in your home simply by hanging a key chain with a Brixo block on a Brixo board by the door.

“Brixo will allow makers to build internet-of-things devices with a minimal learning curve and with maximal flexibility mechanically and electronically,” Almog said.

Brixo Smart Toys can make your Lego creations even more impressive.

Credit: Brixo Smart Toys

Almog came up with the idea for these electric bricks in 2013. His son had successfully wired an electric science kit and proudly showed it to Almog, but when Almog asked his son where the circuit was, he realized his son could not see it through the forest of tangled wires. His son then went to play with his favorite toys, Legos, and the idea for Brixo was born.

“Brixo is all about building circuits, and seeing and understanding what you built,” Almog said.

A Kickstarter campaign to fund Brixo raised $716,791 from 6,171 backers by the time it finished on May 11, far outpacing its original goal of raising $50,000. The company plans to ship its products to customers starting this fall.

“Brixo will come out of the box with building instructions and suggestions for basic models — for example, car, helicopter, alarm clock,” Almog said.

Brixo will also host an online community where amateur and professional tinkerers and developers can share building instructions for models and learn how to create new devices. The community will go online later this year, Almog said. “Brixo supports and encourages tweaking and tinkering,” he added.

Future Brixo blocks may include ones that can recognize voices or make sound, Almog said. The company is currently developing an application programming interface (API) — software that allows other programmers to write apps and other programs that can make use of Brixo, Almog said.

  • Inventions, Tech
Inventions
Tech

Latest Posts

This device tells you when the stove’s been left on
This device tells you when the stove’s been left on
Are you the type of person who needs to check that the stove is off five times before leaving the ...
WeMo is a smart plug that allows you to control appliances remotely
WeMo is a smart plug that allows you to control appliances remotely
Have you ever left the iron on, only to remember hours later while you're sitting at your desk at work? ...
The pocket-sized Nix Sensor digitizes colors on demand
The pocket-sized Nix Sensor digitizes colors on demand
Assuming that you're in fact not some sort of color wizard, The Nix Mini Color Sensor could be an awesome ...
Sit back, relax, and let this electric bike go 236 miles on one charge
Sit back, relax, and let this electric bike go 236 miles on one charge
E-bike technology isn't exactly new — we've seen multiple scattered across the Internet for a few years now, all claiming ...
Think you can invent a personal jetpack? Boeing could give you $2 million for it
Think you can invent a personal jetpack? Boeing could give you $2 million for it
Boeing really wants to make personal jetpacks a thing, and they’re asking for your help. Boeing is sponsoring the GoFly ...
Use this super smart case to instantly print photos from your phone
Use this super smart case to instantly print photos from your phone
The upside to advanced camera phone technology is super sharp pictures we can’t help but share on just about every ...
Previous
Next
View all Posts

What's on Your Mind?

Submit your Idea for your Free
Patent Search Now.

FREE PATENT SEARCH
  • 972.402.0000
  • [email protected]

What's on Your Mind?

Submit your Idea for your Free
Patent Search Now.

FREE PATENT SEARCH
  • 972.402.0000
  • [email protected]

Give Us a Call

972.402.0000

Evaluate

  • Phone Interview
  • Initial Meeting
  • Invention Analysis
  • Plan of Action

Develop

  • Invention Design
  • 2D/3D Illustrations
  • Invention Engineering
  • Patent Protection

Launch

  • Market Research
  • Manufacturers Search
  • Invention Brochures
  • Licensing & Royalties

Address

6565 N.MacArthur Blvd, Irving, Texas 75039

Phone

972.402.0000

800.962.3032

972.402.0095

Email

[email protected]

Evaluate

  • Phone Interview
  • Office Meeting
  • Invention Analysis
  • Plan of Action

Develop

  • Invention Design
  • 2D/3D Illustrations
  • Invention Engineering
  • Patent Protection

Launch

  • Market Research
  • Manufacturers Search
  • Invention Brochures
  • Licensing & Royalties

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in Pinterest-p Twitter
© 2022, Lonestar Patent Services, Inc.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Free Invention Analysis

×

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

This agreement keeps your idea safe between you and Lonestar Patent Services.

I understand that the product idea information I submit cannot be used, disclosed or sold without my express written permission. I also understand that all Lonestar Patent Services employees are required to sign an ethics and confidentiality agreement for my protection. I believe that I am the original inventor of the idea described herein. I authorize Lonestar Patent Services to review my idea and contact me in 3 to 5 business days with the results. I acknowledge that Lonestar Patent Services monitors and records telephone calls for quality assurance. I understand that Lonestar Patent Services does not promise any financial gain from the development of any new product idea.

By clicking the “submit” button below as my electronic signature, I expressly consent to being contacted about Lonestar Patent Services by phone call, auto-dialed phone call including prerecorded voice messages, text messages or email at any number or email address I provide. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for purchase of services.

Fee based service.