Nvidia is partnering with Disney Research and Google DeepMind to develop Newton, an advanced physics engine designed to improve robotic movement in real-world environments. The announcement was made by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during GTC 2025, where Disney’s Star Wars-inspired BDX droids made a surprise appearance onstage.
Newton is set to play a key role in Disney’s plans to bring more lifelike robots to its theme parks. While Disney has been testing Star Wars-themed droids for years, the technology is finally reaching a point where these interactive robots can become a regular part of the guest experience. With Newton, Disney aims to enhance the fluidity and expressiveness of its robots, allowing them to perform complex tasks with greater precision.
Nvidia plans to release an early open-source version of Newton later in 2025. The physics engine is designed to simulate how robots interact with different environments and materials, such as food, cloth, and sand, which have traditionally been challenging for robotic systems to handle. Newton is highly customizable, giving developers the flexibility to program robots with a greater level of realism and adaptability.
In addition to working with Disney, Newton will be compatible with Google DeepMind’s robotics development ecosystem, including MuJoCo, a physics engine specializing in multi-joint robot movements. This collaboration is expected to push the boundaries of how robots interact with their surroundings, making them more efficient and capable in real-world applications.
The introduction of Newton was just one of several major announcements Nvidia made at GTC 2025. The company also unveiled Groot N1, an AI foundation model designed for humanoid robots, which enhances their ability to perceive and reason about their environments. Additionally, Nvidia outlined its roadmap for next-generation AI chips, introducing Blackwell Ultra and Rubin, alongside a new category of personal AI computers aimed at bringing advanced AI capabilities to everyday users.
With Disney set to showcase its advanced entertainment robots at theme parks starting next year, Newton is expected to play a central role in shaping the future of interactive experiences. By combining Nvidia’s expertise in AI and physics simulation with Google DeepMind’s robotics technology, Disney is positioning itself at the forefront of robotic entertainment, creating experiences that are more immersive and engaging than ever before.
