BD-X Droid Project

At NVIDIA’s GTC conferences in 2024 and 2025, the BD-X droids, developed in collaboration with Disney Research and Google DeepMind, captivated audiences by showcasing the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics.

Impact and Future Applications

The BD-X droids represent a significant leap forward in the integration of AI and robotics within the entertainment industry. Disney plans to deploy these advanced robots in its theme parks worldwide, including Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, offering guests interactive and immersive experiences. The collaboration between NVIDIA, Disney Research, and Google DeepMind exemplifies the potential of combining technological innovation with creative storytelling to enhance entertainment offerings.

Actuation and Movement

Each droid is powered by a combination of actuators and sensors:

Head and Neck: Equipped with four actuators, the head and neck assembly allows the droid to perform movements such as looking up, down, tilting, and turning, enhancing expressive interactions.

Legs: Each leg contains five actuators, providing the necessary articulation for dynamic movements like walking, standing, and dancing.

This configuration enables the BD-X droids to exhibit a range of motions, from playful antics to more deliberate actions, enriching the storytelling experience for park visitors.

Computational Systems

To process sensory input and control movements, each BD-X droid houses two NVIDIA Jetson computers. These compact computing units handle real-time data processing, supporting the droids’ interactive capabilities and responsiveness to environmental stimuli.