Nvidia has partnered with Disney Research and Google DeepMind to develop Newton, a next-generation physics engine designed to improve robotic movements in real-world environments. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced this collaboration during his keynote at GTC 2025 on Tuesday.
Disney will be among the first to use Newton for its futuristic entertainment robots, including the BDX droids inspired by Star Wars. One of these robots even appeared onstage next to Huang during the event.
Nvidia plans to launch an early open-source version of Newton later in 2025, making it available to developers worldwide.
For years, Disney has been exploring ways to bring Star Wars-themed robots to its global theme parks. After several successful demonstrations, including one at SXSW 2025, Disney is now confident that the technology is ready. The company plans to introduce these advanced robots in several theme park locations next year.
According to Kyle Laughlin, SVP of Disney Imagineering, the partnership with Nvidia and Google DeepMind will also contribute to the future of Disney’s robotic innovations.
What Makes Newton Special?
Newton aims to make robots more expressive and capable of handling complex tasks with better accuracy. Nvidia explains that the physics engine will allow developers to simulate real-world interactions, which has been a major challenge in robotics development.
One of Newton’s key strengths is its customization. Developers can use it to create realistic robotic interactions with various materials, including food, cloth, and sand. Additionally, it will integrate with Google DeepMind’s robotics ecosystem, including MuJoCo, a physics engine that helps simulate robotic movements with multiple joints.
Other Major Nvidia Announcements at GTC 2025
Newton was just one of many exciting announcements Nvidia made at GTC 2025. The company also introduced:
- Groot N1, an AI-powered foundation model designed for humanoid robots, helping them better understand and interact with their surroundings.
- A new generation of AI chips, including Blackwell Ultra and Rubin.
- A line of personal AI computers, designed to bring advanced AI technology to everyday users.
With these innovations, Nvidia continues to push the boundaries of AI and robotics, shaping the future of technology.
