Nvidia made significant robotics announcements at GTC 2025, including the Isaac Groot N1 model. However, a collaborative project with Disney and Google showcasing real-time simulation droids arguably stole the show. These charming Star Wars droids, capable of responding to commands, offered a compelling glimpse into the future of robotics.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang introduced one of the droids, named Blue, during his GTC keynote. Blue interacted with Huang on stage, seemingly responding to questions in its own droid language and following commands like moving to a designated spot. This demonstration highlighted the droid’s impressive real-time responsiveness and interactivity.
Huang revealed that Blue is a product of joint development between Nvidia, Disney Research, and Google DeepMind. Two Nvidia computers power the droid, though specific hardware details remain undisclosed. The demonstration sparked considerable interest, with many expressing a desire for a consumer version.
Several of these BDX droids, recognizable from The Mandalorian, were also present on the GTC show floor, proving immensely popular. Reuters spoke with Moritz Baecher, a researcher at Disney, to learn more about the technology behind these engaging robots.
Baecher explained that the droids learn through reinforcement learning, similar to how humans learn to walk. “We bring these droids into a simulation environment,” Baecher stated. “At the beginning, they fall all the time if they try to take their first steps, but we ask them to imitate the artist-provided motion. So, over time, they learn how to walk in a stylized way that is authentic to the character.”
The droids exhibit a range of simulated emotions when interacting with people, appearing shy or excited at times. “It [the robot] can express happiness, it dances, but it can also express shyness,” Baecher confirmed. “If you come too close, it can express that it’s angry. It’s sort of a fully complete character that we were able to build.”
In a world saturated with AI advancements, it’s easy to become desensitized. Yet, these Star Wars droids offer a refreshing and captivating demonstration of robotics and AI. They ignite the imagination and leave one wondering what exciting robotic companions the future may hold.
