Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter steps down
Summary
Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics since 2019, has announced his resignation, effective February 27, 2026. Amanda McMaster will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a successor, marking a significant transition for the robotics leader.
Key Insights
Who is Robert Playter and how long has he been CEO of Boston Dynamics?
Robert Playter is a longtime Boston Dynamics executive with over 30 years at the company, including roles as VP of Engineering and COO before becoming CEO in 2019 when founder Marc Raibert stepped down to become chairman. He holds a PhD from MIT on robot gymnastics and a background as a champion gymnast.
What is Boston Dynamics' ownership and key products under Playter's leadership?
Boston Dynamics is majority-owned by Hyundai, following previous ownership by Google and SoftBank. Under Playter, the company commercially launched the dog-like robot Spot, transitioned the Atlas humanoid to all-electric, partnered with Google DeepMind for AI integration, and plans Atlas deployment in Hyundai factories by 2028.