Robert Playter has now officially done so, having stepped down as CEO of Boston Dynamics. The company is known for providing cutting edge robotics technology. On Tuesday, January 10, 2026, he confirmed in an internal memo that he would not be seeking re-election. This was not his final Heart & Soul project—on the ground, at least. The announcement, exclusively reported by A3, comes with big implications for how the company chooses to move forward.
In his memo, shared widely among industry leaders, Playter said that he is thankful for his time at Boston Dynamics. He pointed to the company’s recent milestones—most notably the introduction of Atlas, an advanced humanoid robot that can travel through unknown environments. Atlas is another important step toward robots that are truly useful. This latest innovation continues to show Boston Dynamics’ deep investment in developing smart technologies.
As of immediately, Amanda McMaster becomes interim CEO. She was until now the company’s chief financial officer, and she will take on this role while Boston Dynamics looks for a permanent replacement. The company continues to build a portfolio of robotic innovations. This transition comes at an important time as it looks for new market opportunities.
This announcement was made public during Shared Use Mobility Summit III, June 23, 2016, Boston, MA. Attendees ranged from key industry leaders to key stakeholders, all sharing their levels of gratitude for Playter’s leadership and contributions throughout the years. The mood was appropriately reflective yet optimistic, as Boston Dynamics stands poised to enter a new era.
Playter’s departure is a sobering milestone for Boston Dynamics. Even despite these missteps, the company is still on a mission to go beyond the limits of what’s possible in robotics. The search for a new CEO will be critical to maintaining momentum as they navigate an increasingly competitive landscape.
