Disney is leveraging a new AI-driven physics engine called Newton to enhance its next-generation robotic characters, including the BDX droids seen at Disneyland. Developed through a collaboration between Disney Research, NVIDIA, and Google DeepMind, Newton is designed to improve robotic simulation and performance.
What is Newton?
Newton is an open-source physics engine built to help robots learn and operate in complex environments. Disney Imagineering is using this platform to improve the way its robotic characters move, interact, and engage with guests.
The Newton engine is built on NVIDIA Warp, a system that accelerates robotic simulations using NVIDIA GPU technology. It also integrates with MuJoCo-Warp, a physics engine designed for handling intricate robotic dynamics, which allows for faster and more precise movement.
How Disney Is Using Newton
Disney Research is applying Newton to expand the capabilities of its BDX droids, which were first introduced at Disneyland and will soon appear at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.
Kyle Laughlin, SVP of Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development, highlighted how this partnership allows Disney to advance its storytelling through interactive characters. "The BDX droids are just the beginning," Laughlin said. "This collaboration will allow us to create a new generation of robotic characters that are more expressive and engaging than ever before—and connect with our guests in ways that only Disney can."
The Newton platform offers several advantages for Disney's robotic characters:
- Improved Realism: Newton's advanced physics engine allows for more natural movement and realistic interactions with guests.
- Faster Development: By simulating complex environments, Disney Imagineers can refine robotic designs before building physical models.
- Enhanced Guest Experience: The combination of Newton's capabilities and Disney's storytelling expertise enables robotic characters to feel more immersive and engaging.
Disney isn't yet ready to reveal what's next, but it is clear that Disney plans to step up its living character initiative with the latest technologies, and the BDX droids are just the beginning.
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