Star Wars BDX Droids Are 'Just the Beginning': Disney Turns to AI for Next-Gen Robotic Characters

Gallery / 2 Photos
Free-roaming robotic droid characters for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Posted: Thursday March 20, 2025 9:45am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

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.

Disney CEO Bob Iger and parks boss Josh D'Amaro with the BDX Droids

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.

Free-roaming robotic droid characters for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Discuss on the Forums

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MisterPenguin10 days ago

Matthew2mrt17 days ago

These BDX Droids are really incredible indeed. I hope they’ll come back to every Disney Resorts every year.

Raineman18 days ago

"Hey mouse-say cheese!"

danlb_200018 days ago

i know the guy who did this one...

PascagoulaRun19 days ago

Would be cool to get Cal Kestis and BD-1 as walkaround characters

FigmentFan8219 days ago

I have to say, even knowing how the sausage is made, I think this is a great and clever use for the technology that truly brings to life a make believe dragon and is sure to delight many for years to come!

larryz19 days ago

They should have them surround people with food and steal their French Fries. Then they'll be at least as entertaining as the sea gulls.

wdwmagic21 days ago

Disney Shares New Video of Upgraded Star Wars BDX Droids Ahead of Walt Disney World Debut https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/star-wars-land/news/11apr2025-disney-shares-new-video-of-upgraded-bdx-droids-ahead-of-walt-disney-world-debut.htm

Cmdr_Crimson24 days ago

UNCgolf24 days ago

I've always thought using characters from live action movies for meet and greets etc. doesn't make any sense for this reason. I think it's obviously not the same person even to kids; it's not really an issue with animated characters.

Cmdr_Crimson24 days ago

Not even on a good day they could even get one looking like he came out of the Holiday Special..

bmr159124 days ago

Robotic characters who can talk to you in the correct voice and know your name because of your MagicBand? I’d be down. Reality is we’d still get the same batch of characters, but at least they could talk.

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ24 days ago

Cute concept. But it only works right up until Dart begins to turn around then the illusion falls apart. To address, Universal Creative could turn that technical limitation into a creative strength. Have the Performer act as though he's tickling Dart (or Dart is just being uncooperative and stubborn) with the Performer desperately trying to coax him into returning back to Dragon base camp. Or put little Viking-made baby booties on his feet with some type of noise-making tassels or bells that a "baby dragon" would find enjoyment in. Regardless, I think these character interactions will be popular.