Robert Playter, Boston Dynamics CEO, to step down at the end of February 2026

Robert Playter, the CEO of Boston Dynamics since 2020, announced that he will step down from his role at the company on February 27, 2026.

The news, reported by A3 and other outlets, also included that Boston Dynamics’ CFO Amanda McMaster will serve as interim CEO until the role is filled.

Playter worked at Boston Dynamics for 30 years

Boston Dynamics, the developer of the Spot robot dog, Atlas humanoid robot and Orbit fleet management program, will have to name just its third CEO since the company’s founding in 1992.

Founded by Marc Raibert as a spin-off from the MIT Leg Lab, Playter soon joined the company. Raibert served as CEO of Boston Dynamics until 2020, with Playter taking over the role.

"Boston Dynamics has been the ride of a lifetime," Playter wrote in the staff letter. "What this place has become has exceeded anything I could have ever imagined all those years ago in our funky lab in the basement of the MIT Media Lab. We have created something truly special here, showing that greatness comes from talent, commitment and teamwork rather than superstar status. Many of you have heard me say that whether in sports or in business, all of my most rewarding experiences have come as a teammate. Leading this team has been the honor of my life."

In a LinkedIn post, Boston Dynamics thanked Playter for his years of transformational work at the company.

“Robert Playter is an icon of the global robotics industry, and the entire Boston Dynamics team wishes to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for his leadership,” the LinkedIn post said. “From the earliest days of hopping robots, to the world’s first quadrupeds, to spearheading the entire humanoid industry, Playter made his mark as a pioneer of innovation. He transformed Boston Dynamics from a small research and development lab into a successful business that now proudly calls itself the global leader in mobile robotics. He will be sorely missed, but we hope he enjoys some well-deserved time off. Thanks, Rob!”