Brixo makes Lego come to life, literally

Brixo bricks add Internet connectivity, lights, motion, sound and sensor to Lego blocks and buildings.

Israel-based Brixo Smart Toys has come up with Lego-compatible blocks that will make creations and models come alive with its electric blocks.

Brixo bricks are a set of blocks that provide Internet connectivity, sound, motion and sensors to models.

Currently, there are three types of bricks, which are called connector, trigger and action blocks.

Connector blocks are chrome-plated and serve as conductors of electricity to join and pass currents between the trigger and action bricks. These have high electrical resistance, making them safe to hold and use like regular batteries.

Trigger blocks allow the pieces to respond to a particular stimuli using a variety of proximity, sound and light sensors. With Bluetooth connectivity, the bricks can be paired and controlled with mobile phones and other gadgets. Blocks can even be connected to the Internet. For instance, they can be set to light up when the user receives an email.

Action blocks contain LED lights and motors and are responsible for making the bricks light up and move.

Brixo's electric blocks are also equipped with an internal 9V battery that constantly monitors the passing currents to prevent short circuits. A built-in Bluetooth controller enables the user to adjust voltage levels and the current's direction.

Brixo's fundraising campaign on Kickstarter was very successful, gaining more than $700,000 within two months.

GlobalSources.com houses suppliers of similar brick building figures and sets.