CFO Amanda McMaster will take on the role of interim CEO until a successor is appointed by the company’s board.
CFO Amanda McMaster will take on the role of interim CEO until a successor is appointed by the company’s board.
Robert Playter, the CEO of Boston Dynamics, announced on Tuesday his immediate resignation and his departure from the company on February 27th, as previously reported by A3. Under Playter’s guidance, Boston Dynamics went through an acquisition by Softbank that led to its transition to Hyundai in 2021, and introduced a new all-electric version of its Atlas humanoid robot in 2024. Recently, the company released another video featuring its research Atlas robots executing tumbling maneuvers and outdoor runs as various enterprise-ready models begin to launch.
Boston Dynamics disclosed at CES last month that Atlas robots are set to start operating in Hyundai’s manufacturing facilities beginning in 2028, as the robotics arena becomes more competitive with entries from companies like Tesla and Figure, alongside AI firms employing “world model” technology tailored for robots.
Playter has dedicated over 30 years to Boston Dynamics, serving as CEO since 2020, having taken over from the original CEO, Marc Raibert. Boston Dynamics CFO Amanda McMaster will take on the responsibilities of interim CEO while the board searches for Playter’s successor.
“Boston Dynamics has been an incredible journey. What this organization has achieved has surpassed anything I envisioned all those years ago in our unique lab in the basement of the MIT Media Lab,” Playter articulated in a message to employees, which was made public to The Verge. He also noted the firm’s achievements with its Spot, Stretch, and Atlas robots.
“From the initial days of leaping robots, to the groundbreaking quadrupeds, to pioneering the entire humanoid sector, Playter established himself as a trailblazer in innovation. He evolved Boston Dynamics from a modest R&D lab into a thriving enterprise that proudly identifies itself as the global leader in mobile robotics,” said Nikolas Noel, VP of marketing and communications at Boston Dynamics, in a statement to The Verge, adding, “He will be greatly missed, but we wish him restful time off. Thanks, Rob.”
