The CEO of Boston Dynamics is stepping down after 30 years of service in various roles within the company. He transformed the company from a research laboratory into a successful business known for developments like Spot, Stretch, and Atlas. His resignation will be effective at the end of February 2026. Robert Plater, the CEO of Boston Dynamics, has announced his resignation, as reported by The Verge. He will be stepping down in February 2026. Having dedicated over three decades to the company, he ascended from working in the lab to establishing a global business, now under the ownership of the South Korean conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group.
Robert Plater is a true veteran of Boston Dynamics, having started when it was just a small lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Looking back, he acknowledges that the company’s current achievements far exceeded his expectations from his days in the MIT Media Lab basement. Under his leadership, Boston Dynamics transformed from a research center to a thriving commercial enterprise, transitioning ownership from SoftBank to Hyundai Motor Group in 2021.
Described as an icon in the robotics industry by the company, Robert Plater’s departure has prompted words of gratitude and recognition for his leadership. His significant contributions include the development of robots like Spot, Stretch, and Atlas. Boston Dynamics’ history dates back to 1992 when it separated from MIT, with pivotal advancements made in the basement lab of the MIT Media Lab.
Although initially funded by the US Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency, Boston Dynamics gained global acclaim through viral internet videos showcasing robots like the humanoid Atlas and the quadruped robot-dog Spot. While these developments began as purely research-oriented, Boston Dynamics started commercializing the Spot model in June 2020 for $74,500, targeting businesses for tasks such as warehouse patrols, inspections, and applications in various fields.
Despite its media popularity, for many years, the company operated at a loss, shedding millions annually. In 2021, Hyundai Motor Group acquired an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank for $880 million, leveraging Spot robots in their operations for production control and preventive maintenance. Following Plater’s departure at the end of February 2026, Amanda McMaster, the current CFO of the company, will temporarily assume the role of CEO.
The collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group is expected to enhance Boston Dynamics’ understanding of the automaker’s production needs, aiding in boosting productivity and efficiency through robotics. Post Plater’s exit, McLaren will oversee the CEO responsibilities until a permanent replacement is appointed.
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