Nvidia, Disney Research, and Google DeepMind Collaborate on Physics Engine for Real-World Robot Simulation
New Physics Engine to Power Next-Generation Entertainment Robots
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced at GTC 2025 on Tuesday that the company is collaborating with Disney Research and Google DeepMind to develop a new physics engine, called Newton, designed to simulate robotic movements in real-world settings.
Disney to Use Newton for Next-Generation Entertainment Robots
Disney will be among the first to use Newton to power its next-generation entertainment robots, including the Star Wars-inspired BDX droids, which were showcased alongside Huang during his keynote. Disney has been working on bringing these robots to its theme parks around the world, with plans to showcase them at several locations starting next year.
Early Release of Newton Expected Later in 2025
Nvidia plans to release an early, open-source version of Newton later in 2025, allowing developers to access the technology and start building their own projects.
What is Newton?
Newton is designed to help robots be more "expressive" and "learn how to handle complex tasks with greater precision." The physics engine simulates how robots interact with the natural world, which can sometimes present a challenge for robotics developers. It is highly customizable, allowing developers to program robotic interactions with various objects, such as food, cloth, sand, and other deformable objects.
Compatibility with Google DeepMind’s Ecosystem
Newton will be compatible with Google DeepMind’s ecosystem of robotic development tools, including its physics engine, MuJoCo, which simulates multi-joint robot movements.
Other Announcements from Nvidia
Nvidia made several other announcements at GTC 2025, including the unveiling of an AI foundation model for humanoid robots, Groot N1, which allows robots to better perceive and reason about their environments. The company also shared a timeline for its next-gen AI chips, including Blackwell Ultra and Rubin, and unveiled a new line of "personal AI computers."
Conclusion
The collaboration between Nvidia, Disney Research, and Google DeepMind has the potential to revolutionize the field of robotics, enabling the development of more advanced and realistic robotic interactions. The early release of Newton later in 2025 will give developers a head start in building new projects and applications.
FAQs
Q: What is Newton?
A: Newton is a new physics engine developed by Nvidia, Disney Research, and Google DeepMind to simulate robotic movements in real-world settings.
Q: What are the benefits of Newton?
A: Newton helps robots be more "expressive" and "learn how to handle complex tasks with greater precision," making it easier for developers to create realistic robotic interactions.
Q: When will Newton be available?
A: An early, open-source version of Newton is expected to be released later in 2025.
Q: Who will be using Newton?
A: Disney will be among the first to use Newton to power its next-generation entertainment robots, including the Star Wars-inspired BDX droids.
