The Danish toy company has launched a global trial with four building sets and hopes to release more next year depending on user feedback. Using the design script used by Lego creators, known as LXFML data, the Austrian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence developed software that is able to turn the instructions into braille and English audio. The idea came about after blind entrepreneur and Lego enthusiast Matthew Shifrin previously relied on a friend to translate instructions into braille, which enabled him to build independently for the first time. After his friend died, Mr Shifrin was introduced to Lego's Creative Play Lab and decided to push for development of the technology: "This is extremely important for blind children because there aren't a lot of places where we can say'Look Mum and Dad! I built this on my own... I did this'," he said.

Lego is using artificial intelligence to translate building instructions into audio and braille to help visually-impaired children enjoy their play sets. The Danish toy company has a bespoke design script it uses to create its various packs and fashion the traditional guides included in the box, and teamed up with AI specialists who were able to develop specialist software capable of turning them into braille and English audio. Four packs spanning the Lego Bricks and Ideas, Lego Friends, Lego City and The Lego Movie 2 ranges have had their instructions translated, and they are available the Lego website. Lego said the idea was developed thanks to entrepreneur and Lego enthusiast Matthew Shifrin, who is blind. He previously relied on a friend to translate instructions into braille and help him build independently, but following his death was left determined to push for another solution to aid others.