The Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter era is coming to an end after three decades at one of the world’s most recognized robotics companies.

Boston Dynamics confirmed that Robert Playter is stepping down as chief executive, according to an internal memo first reported by A3. Playter’s departure marks a major leadership transition at the Massachusetts-based robotics firm known globally for its quadruped and humanoid robots.

In the interim, Amanda McMaster, the company’s chief financial officer, will take over as acting CEO while the company searches for a permanent successor.

A 30-Year Journey in Robotics

Robert Playter’s departure closes a 30-year chapter at Boston Dynamics, where he held several senior leadership roles, including vice president of engineering and chief operating officer, before becoming CEO in 2020.

He took over the top job from founder Marc Raibert, guiding the company through a pivotal period of commercialization and industry expansion.

In a statement shared with TechCrunch, Boston Dynamics praised Playter’s contributions, describing him as “an icon of the global robotics industry.” The company credited him with helping transform Boston Dynamics from a research and development lab into what it calls the global leader in mobile robotics.

From Research Lab to Global Robotics Leader

Boston Dynamics was founded in 1992 by Raibert as a spinoff from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he served as a professor.

Over the years, the company underwent several ownership changes. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, acquired Boston Dynamics in 2013. It was later sold to SoftBank in 2017. The company’s current owner, Hyundai, acquired Boston Dynamics in 2021.

Throughout these transitions, Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter played a key role in steering the company’s technical and business strategy.

Commercial Milestones Under Playter

One of the defining milestones during Playter’s leadership was the commercialization of Spot, the company’s quadruped robot, in 2020. Spot became one of the first widely deployed mobile robots for industrial and enterprise use.

More recently, Boston Dynamics introduced Atlas, its humanoid robot platform, further cementing its reputation for advanced robotic mobility.

As Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter steps down, the company enters a new phase while maintaining its position at the forefront of mobile robotics innovation.