eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
WALL-E, Grogu, and Baymax all walked so Disney’s new BDX droids could… emote. Thanks to AI and a healthy dose of Imagineering magic, Disney’s latest bots are designed to be more than mechanical companions — they’re interactive characters equipped with adaptive behavior. The BDX droids are small, “expressive” robots powered by reinforcement learning, an AI method in which robots refine behavior through reward-based feedback.
Since debuting in 2023 at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge, these bots have appeared at events including SXSW and NVIDIA’s GTC, where they drew attention for their interactivity and animated presence. What distinguishes the BDX droids is their emergent “personalities,” developed through AI simulation rather than traditional scripting.
“A process that used to take years, can now be done in days and weeks, [giving us the] ability to bring characters to our guests in a speed that is unmatched in terms of the way that we’ve worked in the past,” senior vice president of Imagineering R&D Kyle Laughlin told Variety. “What sets them apart, though, is that spark of personality. When guests see those droids, they’re full of life and they always make people smile, and that’s really what we’re after.”
That sense of emotional connection is by design. Through AI simulation, Imagineers can “teach” each droid how to move, balance, and express emotion — all in line with the animator’s creative direction. This reduces the need for manual programming while enabling greater character nuance.
From birds to bots
Disney’s foray into robotic characters dates back to 1963, when the Enchanted Tiki Room first introduced animatronic parrots to audiences. Since then, the company has advanced its robotic storytelling from early audio animatronics to complex feats like Spider-Man stuntronics flying 65 feet through the air and Rise of the Resistance’s fleet of droids.
But the BDX project marks a shift toward autonomy and adaptability. Rather than following predetermined scripts, these bots adjust, respond, and learn from their environment.
“Rather than hand programming, Laughlin explained, “we’re able to focus on the things that set them apart. They’re able now to think about how they move, how they emote, and how guests might engage with them.”
This initiative is advancing through a collaboration with NVIDIA and Google DeepMind on a project called Newton, a physics engine designed to help robots learn complex physical behavior. During NVIDIA’s GTC event, Disney showcased the BDX droid named “Blue” onstage with CEO Jensen Huang, highlighting its integration with the Newston physics engine.
“This is how we are going to train robots in the future,” Huang said, “[by] telling the droid, ‘you are smart.’”
More bots, more personality, less waiting
All of this aligns with Disney’s broader investment plan. The company has pledged $60 billion over the next decade for parks and attractions, with AI tools helping to significantly reduce the time it takes to bring new characters to life. Timelines that previously spanned years are now condensed into just a few weeks, thanks to AI integration.
The development roadmap includes new characters like H.E.R.B.I.E. from Marvel’s “Fantastic Four,” roaming bots for cruise lines and overseas parks, and even AI-driven froid cameos in upcoming films like “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”
Laughlin teased “a robust roadmap of free-ranging characters,” all brought to life through a blend of artistry and machine learning.
WALL-E just wanted to hold hands. These new droids are engineered to walk, react, and connect with guests even while they’re holding a $19 churro. As Disney deepens its AI portfolio, its robotic characters may soon be as emotionally responsive as they are mechanically precise.
Curious how AI is shaking up storytelling beyond the theme parks? Read our coverage of the Midjourney lawsuit, where Disney and Universal are taking a stand on AI-generated art.