In a groundbreaking announcement at GTC 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed the company's collaboration with Disney Research and Google DeepMind to create Newton, an innovative physics engine designed to simulate robotic movements in real-world environments.

Disney's Next-Generation Entertainment Robots

Disney will be one of the first organizations to utilize Newton in its upcoming entertainment robots, including the highly anticipated Star Wars-inspired BDX droids. During Huang's keynote address on Tuesday, one of these droids made a memorable appearance on stage, showcasing its capabilities.

Early Access and Future Plans

Nvidia plans to release an early, open-source version of Newton later in 2025. This initiative aligns with Disney's long-standing ambition to integrate these advanced robots into its theme parks worldwide. Following several successful controlled demonstrations, including a recent showcase at SXSW 2025, Disney is optimistic about debuting the robots at various park locations starting next year.

Enhancing Robot Capabilities

 

The BDX droids are just the beginning. We’re committed to bringing more characters to life in ways the world hasn’t seen before, and this collaboration with Disney Research, NVIDIA, and Google DeepMind is a key part of that vision.

This collaboration will allow us to create a new generation of robotic characters that are more expressive and engaging than ever before—and connect with our guests in ways that only Disney can.

Kyle Laughlin, SVP, Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development

Customization and Compatibility

Nvidia emphasizes that Newton is highly customizable, allowing developers to program robotic interactions with a variety of objects, such as food items, cloth, sand, and other deformable materials. Furthermore, Newton will be compatible with Google DeepMind’s ecosystem of robotic development tools, including its physics engine, MuJoCo, which specializes in simulating multi-joint robot movements.

The collaboration between Nvidia, Disney Research, and Google DeepMind marks a significant advancement in robotics technology. With the development of Newton, the potential for creating more lifelike and interactive robots is on the horizon, promising exciting new experiences for audiences at Disney parks and beyond.