Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter steps down after 30 years

Amanda McMaster to serve as interim CEO while company searches for replacement

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Robert Playter, the CEO of Boston Dynamics, has announced his resignation after 30 years at the robotics company. Playter, who took over as CEO in 2020, will be replaced on an interim basis by the company's Chief Financial Officer, Amanda McMaster, while Boston Dynamics searches for a permanent successor.

Why it matters

Boston Dynamics is a pioneering robotics company known for its advanced quadruped and humanoid robots like Spot and Atlas. Playter's departure marks a significant leadership change at a critical time as the company continues to develop and commercialize its innovative technologies.

The details

Playter has held various roles at Boston Dynamics over the past 30 years, including Vice President of Engineering and Chief Operating Officer, before becoming CEO in 2020. The company was founded in 1992 as a spinoff from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has since been acquired by several major tech companies, including Alphabet and SoftBank, before being purchased by Hyundai in 2021.

  • Playter announced his resignation on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • Playter took over as CEO of Boston Dynamics in 2020.

The players

Robert Playter

The outgoing CEO of Boston Dynamics, who has worked at the company for 30 years in various roles.

Amanda McMaster

The Chief Financial Officer of Boston Dynamics, who will serve as the interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement.

Marc Raibert

The founder of Boston Dynamics, who previously served as the company's CEO before Playter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Robert Playter announcd he is leaving Boston Dynamics after 30 years at the company in various roles, including six years as CEO.”

— Rebecca Szkutak, Author (techcrunch.com)

What’s next

Boston Dynamics will begin a search for a permanent CEO to replace Robert Playter, who is stepping down after 30 years at the company.

The takeaway

Playter's departure marks a significant leadership change at Boston Dynamics, a pioneering robotics company known for its advanced quadruped and humanoid robots. The company will need to find a new CEO to guide it through the next phase of its development and commercialization efforts.