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bulletphysics/bullet3

Bullet Physics SDK, a C++ library for real-time collision detection and multi-physics simulation used in games, VR, robotics and machine learning.

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What is it?

Bullet Physics SDK is a C++ library for real-time collision detection and physics simulation. It covers rigid body dynamics and soft body simulation, and it is used in games, VR, visual effects, robotics and machine learning.

The repository includes PyBullet, a Python module built on top of the engine that is widely used for robotics and reinforcement learning research. Demos, an example browser and unit tests are included. The library is designed to build on Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android, and optional demos need OpenGL 2 or 3.

The project also has experimental OpenCL support that runs collision detection and rigid body dynamics on the GPU, requiring a high-end desktop GPU. Bullet is distributed under the zlib license and can be installed via vcpkg, CMake or premake.

Key features

  • 01Real-time collision detection and rigid body dynamics
  • 02Soft body and multi-physics simulation
  • 03PyBullet Python bindings for robotics and reinforcement learning
  • 04Experimental OpenCL GPU acceleration for collision and dynamics
  • 05Cross-platform builds with CMake, premake and vcpkg

Use cases

  • Adding physics and collision handling to games or VR applications
  • Simulating robot arms, legs or grippers for robotics research
  • Training reinforcement learning agents in physically simulated environments
  • Prototyping visual effects that need rigid or soft body dynamics

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install the PyBullet Python package

    pip3 install pybullet --upgrade --user
  2. 2

    Run a PyBullet example environment

    python3 -m pybullet_envs.examples.enjoy_TF_AntBulletEnv_v0_2017may

Things to know

  • The issue tracker is closed, so support relies on the PyBullet forums.
  • The experimental OpenCL GPU support needs a high-end desktop GPU and does not work on OpenCL CPU devices.
  • The Windows VR sandbox requires HTC Vive or Oculus Rift hardware.

In collections

Game development tools & enginesReinforcement learning frameworks & training environmentsRobotics & embodied AI projects

Topics

#physics-engine#simulation#collision-detection#robotics#game-development#reinforcement-learning#virtual-reality#cpp#computer-animation#kinematics

FAQ

What is bullet3?
Bullet Physics SDK, a C++ library for real-time collision detection and multi-physics simulation used in games, VR, robotics and machine learning. Bullet Physics SDK is a C++ library for real-time collision detection and physics simulation. It covers rigid body dynamics and soft body simulation, and it is used in games, VR, visual effects, robotics and machine learning.
Is bullet3 free to use? What license does it have?
bullet3 is open source under the Other license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is bullet3 still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to bullet3 was on Oct 9, 2026.
What can I use bullet3 for?
Adding physics and collision handling to games or VR applications Simulating robot arms, legs or grippers for robotics research Training reinforcement learning agents in physically simulated environments Prototyping visual effects that need rigid or soft body dynamics
How do I install bullet3?
Install the PyBullet Python package: pip3 install pybullet --upgrade --user Run a PyBullet example environment: python3 -m pybullet_envs.examples.enjoy_TF_AntBulletEnv_v0_2017may
Where can I get bullet3?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/bulletphysics/bullet3

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