The world of robotics is about to take a major leap forward. Nvidia, Google DeepMind, and Disney Research have joined forces to create more advanced, realistic, and interactive robots. This collaboration could change how robots move, learn, and interact with humans in industries ranging from entertainment to manufacturing.
At the heart of this partnership is Newton, a new open-source physics engine developed by Nvidia. Newton is designed to help robots understand and react to real-world physics, making them more adaptable and capable in different environments. By working with Google DeepMind and Disney, Nvidia hopes to push robotics to a whole new level.
Newton: The Brainpower Behind the Next Generation of Robots
For robots to function properly, they need to understand how objects move and interact with their surroundings. Traditional robots often struggle with handling soft objects like fabric or food, or responding naturally to human movements. Newton is built to solve these problems.
Developed using Nvidia’s Warp framework, Newton allows robots to simulate complex physical interactions in real time. This means a robot using Newton could accurately predict how a cup will tip over, how fabric will fold, or how sand will shift under pressure. The result is smoother, more human-like robotic movements.
Newton is also compatible with DeepMind’s MuJoCo, one of the most advanced robotics simulation platforms in the world. This allows companies and researchers to train AI-powered robots faster and more efficiently. Because Newton is open-source, developers worldwide can contribute to improving its capabilities.
Disney’s Plan: Bringing Robots to Life
Disney is already famous for its ability to create magical experiences, and now it’s taking that creativity into robotics. With help from Nvidia’s Newton engine, Disney Research is working on interactive robots for entertainment.
One of the most exciting projects is a new line of Star Wars-inspired droids called BDX droids. These robots, revealed at Nvidia’s GTC 2025 keynote, move and behave just like characters from the movies. Unlike traditional theme park animatronics, which are limited in their movements, these robots will be able to respond to visitors, navigate their surroundings, and even show emotions through body language.
Kyle Laughlin, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, said this technology will allow Disney to create robots that feel more alive than ever before. Whether in theme parks or future entertainment experiences, these robots could interact with guests in a way that feels completely natural.
Beyond Entertainment: How This Technology Will Shape the Future of Robotics
While Disney is using Newton to create more realistic entertainment robots, Nvidia and DeepMind are focused on expanding the role of robots in other industries.
One of Nvidia’s biggest announcements was Isaac GR00T N1, the first fully open, customizable foundation model for humanoid robots. This model helps robots reason and perform everyday tasks, such as grasping objects, moving them, and following multi-step instructions. The goal is to develop robots that can assist in healthcare, manufacturing, and even households.
Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, emphasized that the goal of these advancements is to make robots more useful in the real world. Whether in factories, hospitals, or homes, robots powered by AI will be able to assist humans in complex tasks, ultimately improving efficiency and productivity.
A New Era for Robotics
The partnership between Nvidia, Google DeepMind, and Disney represents a significant step toward a future where robots are smarter, more interactive, and more lifelike. With Newton’s advanced physics engine, robots will be able to understand their environments better and move more naturally.
For Disney, this means more immersive experiences in entertainment. For Nvidia and DeepMind, it means paving the way for robots that can work alongside humans in everyday life. As these technologies develop, they could revolutionize industries beyond entertainment, impacting medicine, logistics, and even space exploration.
One thing is clear: robots are no longer just science fiction. Thanks to this collaboration, they are becoming smarter, more capable, and ready to take on the world.
Prepared by Navruzakhon Burieva
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