Boston Hosts First Professional Robotics League Race

Humanoid and quadruped robots compete in 50-meter dash and obstacle course in Seaport district

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:50am

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of a sleek, glowing quadruped robot with illuminated joints and sensors, standing in a futuristic urban setting with skyscrapers in the background, conceptually representing the advanced technology and competitive spirit of the new Professional Robotics League.A glimpse of the next generation of athletic robots as they prepare to compete in Boston's inaugural Professional Robotics League race.Boston Today

The new Professional Robotics League is debuting its first competition on Sunday, April 19 in Boston's Seaport district. The race will feature two categories - humanoid and quadruped robots - with the goal of showcasing the latest advancements in robotics technology and providing a public showcase for American and Chinese-made bots. Organizer David Grilk, who previously worked on Boston Marathon events, hopes to attract human runners in town for the Boston Marathon to check out the robot race.

Why it matters

This new robotics league aims to create a professional sports platform for humanoid and quadruped robots, similar to how drone racing and combat robotics have gained popularity. By hosting the first event in Boston, the league taps into the city's reputation as a global hub for robotics innovation and its sports-loving culture.

The details

The 50-meter course will feature a basic dash as well as an obstacle course and forward/backward running heats. While there is no prize purse yet, the event is free to attend and is being supported by real estate developer WS Development and robotics incubator MassRobotics. Grilk hopes to eventually expand the league with more competitors, competition formats, and rivalries.

  • The first Professional Robotics League race will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The Boston Marathon is scheduled for the following day, Monday, April 20, 2026.

The players

David Grilk

The founder of the new Professional Robotics League, who previously worked as the director of sports events at Conventures, overseeing the Boston Marathon-related events.

Tom Grilk

David Grilk's father, who recently retired as the CEO of the Boston Athletic Association.

Alex Wissner-Gross

A local investor who, along with Devon Triplett, has provided funding for the new league through their firm 021T Capital Management.

Michael Quan

An expected participant in the race, representing 3D Cowboys and planning to compete with a Spot robot made by Boston Dynamics.

Boston Dynamics

A prominent robotics company based in the Boston area that has not yet signed on as a sponsor for the new league.

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What they’re saying

“The United States has nothing comparable. We have combat robotics (BattleBots, NHRL), educational competitions (FIRST), academic research tournaments (RoboCup) and drone racing (Drone Racing League). What we don't have is a professional sports league for humanoid and quadruped robots competing for a mass audience.”

— Alex Wissner-Gross, Co-founder, 021T Capital Management

“We look at this year as our R&D year, where we'll see what works well, what doesn't, what competition formats, what do people find engaging. Eventually, we hope to have more competitors, more competition styles and things that create rivalries.”

— David Grilk, Founder, Professional Robotics League

“I give these guys credit for trying to be ambitious. Spot will perform well on the course.”

— Michael Quan, Founder, 3D Cowboys

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new robotics league represents an ambitious effort to create a professional sports platform for cutting-edge robotics technology, tapping into Boston's reputation as a global hub for innovation. While still in an experimental phase, the league has the potential to engage both tech enthusiasts and sports fans alike.