Nvidia has joined forces with Disney Research and Google DeepMind to create Newton, an advanced physics engine designed to simulate robotic movements in real-world environments. This innovative tool aims to enhance the expressiveness of robots and improve their ability to handle complex tasks with precision. The first version of Newton will be released as open source later in 2025. Disney plans to utilize this technology for its upcoming entertainment robots, such as the Star Wars-inspired BDX droids. These robots are set to debut at various theme park locations starting next year. Additionally, Nvidia introduced Groot N1, an AI foundation model for humanoid robots that enhances perception and reasoning capabilities.
Through collaboration with Disney and Google DeepMind, Newton is expected to significantly impact robotics by enabling more natural interactions between robots and the environment. It supports simulations involving diverse materials like food, cloth, and sand, making it highly adaptable for developers. Furthermore, compatibility with Google DeepMind’s tools ensures seamless integration into existing robotic ecosystems. Alongside Newton, Nvidia also announced advancements in AI chips and personal AI computers during GTC 2025.
Empowering Next-Generation Entertainment Robots
Disney envisions a future where its parks feature interactive robots inspired by iconic franchises, such as the Star Wars-themed BDX droids. Thanks to Nvidia's Newton physics engine, these robots can now exhibit more lifelike behaviors and execute intricate actions with improved accuracy. By simulating realistic physical interactions, Newton allows developers to program robots capable of handling objects made from various materials, enhancing their versatility.
The integration of Newton into Disney's robotics projects marks a significant milestone in bringing these futuristic concepts to life. For years, Disney has showcased prototypes of its Star Wars-inspired robots at events like SXSW. However, the partnership with Nvidia and Google DeepMind elevates these demonstrations to a new level. Kyle Laughlin, SVP of Disney Imagineering, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in advancing Disney's entertainment robots. With Newton's assistance, developers can craft robots that not only move convincingly but also interact seamlessly with their surroundings. This advancement paves the way for immersive experiences at Disney parks worldwide, setting the stage for a groundbreaking era of robotic entertainment.
Expanding Horizons in Robotic Development
Beyond its role in powering Disney's robots, Newton represents a leap forward in robotic development. Its customizable nature enables engineers to design robots tailored to specific tasks, ranging from delicate object manipulation to navigating challenging terrains. Compatibility with Google DeepMind’s ecosystem further strengthens its potential applications across industries. Moreover, Nvidia's announcement of Groot N1 highlights the company's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence for humanoid robots.
Nvidia's Newton physics engine addresses longstanding challenges faced by robotics developers when simulating interactions within the natural world. By offering precise control over how robots engage with different materials, Newton empowers creators to push the boundaries of what robots can achieve. Its adaptability ensures relevance across multiple sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare. Additionally, the introduction of Groot N1 complements Newton by providing robots with enhanced abilities to perceive and reason about their environments. Together, these technologies form part of Nvidia's broader strategy unveiled at GTC 2025, which includes updates on AI chip developments and the launch of personal AI computers. As Nvidia continues to innovate, the landscape of robotics and artificial intelligence evolves, promising exciting possibilities for the future.
