Boston Dynamics CFO Amanda McMasterwill take over as interim CEO until the company's board finds a replacement.
Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, announced Tuesday that he is leaving his position at the company on February 27. Under Playter's leadership, Boston Dynamics moved from Softbank to Hyundaiin 2021 and launched a new, all-electric version of its humanoid robot in 2024.
See also: Boston Dynamics: New electric version of the Atlas humanoid robot
Just a few days ago, the company released another video of its Atlas research robots attempting to perform stunts and outdoor runs, as more enterprise-ready versions begin to roll out.
Boston Dynamics announced at CES last month that Atlas robots will begin working in car factories starting in 2028.The robotics sector has become increasingly competitive, with rivals such as Tesla and Figure introducing their own systems.
See also: Boston Dynamics' robot dog Spot plays ball
Boston Dynamics: CEO resigns and search for replacement
Robert Playter has been with Boston Dynamics for over 30 years and has served as CEO since 2020, replacing the company's original CEO, Marc Raibert. Boston Dynamics CFO Amanda McMasterwill take on interim CEO duties while the company's board of directors searches for a replacement for Playter.
“Boston Dynamics has been a defining experience of my life. What this place has become has surpassed anything I could have imagined in all those years in our strange lab in the basement of the MIT Media Lab,” Playter said in a letter to employees, which was shared with The Verge. He also highlighted the company’s successes with its Spot, Stretch, and Atlas.
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“From the early days of hopping robots, to the world’s first quadrupeds, to leading the entire humanoid industry, Playter left his mark as a pioneer of innovation. He transformed Boston Dynamics from a small research and development lab into a successful business that now prides itself on being the global leader in mobile robotics,” said Nikolas Noel, vice president of marketing and communications at Boston Dynamics, adding: “We will miss him greatly, but we hope he enjoys his time off. Thank you Rob.”
