Boston Dynamics Witnesses a Major Shift in Leadership
Major changes are underway at Boston Dynamics, the Massachusetts-based robotics company renowned for its groundbreaking four-legged robots and humanoids. As revealed in an internal memo and initially reported by A3, CEO Robert Playter is set to step down from his position. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Amanda McMaster, will take over as interim CEO while the search for a permanent replacement commences.
Robert Playter’s Legacy at Boston Dynamics
Following the announcement, Boston Dynamics released a statement to TechCrunch, expressing their profound appreciation for Playter’s contributions to the company and the wider global robotics industry. The statement highlighted the key role Playter has played in transforming Boston Dynamics from a modest research and development lab to a world leader in robotics.
Playter’s innovative mindset and pioneering spirit were lauded, with the statement crediting him for leading the development of groundbreaking technologies from the early jumping robots to the world’s first quadrupeds, and eventually spearheading the entire humanoid industry. Although his departure will be a significant loss, the team at Boston Dynamics wishes Playter well-deserved rest and relaxation in his retirement.
Playter’s Journey With Boston Dynamics
Playter’s journey with Boston Dynamics spanned three decades, during which he held various positions within the company, including Vice President of Engineering and Chief Operating Officer, before eventually taking over as CEO in 2020. He succeeded the company’s founder, Marc Raibert.
The Evolution of Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics, founded as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1992 by Raibert, has had an intriguing journey. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, acquired the firm in 2013. It was subsequently sold to Japanese investment conglomerate SoftBank in 2017. In 2021, Hyundai became the latest owner of the company.
Groundbreaking Robotics Solutions
Boston Dynamics has been at the forefront of robotics innovation, best known for Spot, its quadruped robot which was released to the public in 2020 shortly after Playter took the reins. Recently, the company announced Atlas, a humanoid robot, further showcasing its prowess in the field of robotics.
This article was updated on June 9, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts, to include official comments from Boston Dynamics. Check the original source here.
