Over One Million Children Benefit from LEGO Group’s Play-Based MRI Initiative Supporting Pediatric Care

Over One Million Children Benefit from LEGO Group’s Play-Based MRI Initiative Supporting Pediatric Care

(IN BRIEF) The LEGO Group has reached a major milestone with over one million children worldwide benefiting from its LEGO MRI Scanner set—a hands-on educational model designed to help young patients feel more comfortable during MRI procedures. Developed in collaboration with the LEGO Foundation, the set has been donated to more than 10,000 hospitals globally since 2023. Research shows it reduces anxiety in 96% of cases and lowers the need for sedation in nearly half of them. Families and healthcare workers report significant improvements in children’s hospital experiences, as seen in testimonials from hospitals in Scotland, Denmark, and the United States. The project underscores LEGO’s commitment to using play as a tool for wellbeing and emotional resilience in medical settings.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILLUND, 13-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The LEGO Group has announced that more than one million children worldwide have now used its innovative LEGO MRI Scanner set, transforming how young patients experience one of the most intimidating medical procedures. By turning preparation into a playful learning moment, the LEGO MRI model has helped children better understand what happens during an MRI scan—reducing anxiety and, in many cases, the need for sedation.

Developed by the LEGO Group in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, the set features a detailed MRI scanner, patient bed, control and waiting rooms, medical accessories, and staff minifigures. It was designed to help children explore MRI procedures through storytelling and play. MRI scans are commonly used in pediatric care because they are non-invasive and radiation-free; however, they can be stressful for children who must remain still inside a large, noisy machine.

According to new global research from the LEGO Group, 96% of healthcare professionals who have used the LEGO MRI Scanner set say it helps reduce children’s anxiety before a scan, and 46% report a measurable decrease in the need for sedation or anesthesia. Since 2023, over 10,000 LEGO MRI Scanner sets have been donated to hospitals and healthcare professionals worldwide, demonstrating the company’s commitment to unlocking the power of play for children—particularly those in vulnerable or stressful situations.

The initiative, called From Scan to Smiles, highlights how play can make a meaningful difference in medical settings. Nearly all participating healthcare professionals—95%—said the set improves families’ overall hospital experience, while 94% found it engaging and fun for children.

The positive impact is illustrated by stories like that of five-year-old Ivy from Edinburgh, Scotland. After requiring anesthesia for her first MRI scan at age two, Ivy used the LEGO MRI model to prepare for her second scan at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. “If we hadn’t played with the LEGO MRI model beforehand, Ivy would have needed a general anesthetic,” said her mother, Rachel. “Playing made her relaxed, calm, and prepared—it was a complete game changer.” Ivy herself added: “I liked playing with the LEGO toy. It made me feel relaxed. I wasn’t scared. I was brave.”

Healthcare professionals echo these experiences. Traci Aoki-Tan, a Certified Child Life Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center (U.S.), noted: “When we walk in with the LEGO MRI scanner, the children’s faces light up. The entire mood changes—parents relax, and the room becomes brighter.”

In Denmark, Jannie Bøge Steinmeier Larsen, Project Radiographer at Aarhus University Hospital, said: “The LEGO MRI model helps engage children with various medical conditions—from migraines to cancer—creating safety and curiosity. Our early results show most children can now undergo MRI scans without general anesthesia, improving comfort and freeing up hospital resources.”

Diana Ringe Krogh, Vice President and Head of Social Responsibility at the LEGO Group, emphasized: “Our MRI Scanner set shows how a simple act of play can have a profound impact. It empowers children to explore and understand their medical experiences, helping them feel in control. It’s heartening to see how play is improving wellbeing for children and families during what can be a stressful time.”

The LEGO MRI Scanner set is not available for sale and is distributed through the LEGO Group’s global network of charity partners, including Fairy Bricks, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and United Way. This initiative supports the LEGO Group’s broader mission to ensure more children, regardless of circumstance, can access the benefits of learning through play—even in hospital environments.

Notes to editors

SOURCE: LEGO System A/S