CEO of Boston Dynamics to step down, as Hyundai's robot strategy in focus

SelfRugger · 2026-02-21T23:05:32+00:00

Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, is stepping down, leading to a surge in Hyundai's stock as the automaker focuses on accelerating its robot business. Boston Dynamics is integrating robots into various applications, indicating a strategic shift.

SelfRugger

2026-02-21 23:05:32

Abstract generation in progress

CEO of Boston Dynamics to step down, as Hyundai’s robot strategy in focus

CES 2026, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas · Reuters

Heejin Kim and Jihoon Lee

Wed, February 11, 2026 at 5:43 PM GMT+9 1 min read

In this article:

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By Heejin Kim and Jihoon Lee

SEOUL, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Robert Playter, chief executive ‌of Hyundai Motor Group’s robot affiliate ‌Boston Dynamics is stepping down, the Waltham, Massachusetts-based company said on its X account.

Shares of Hyundai Motor rallied 5.9% in Seoul trading on Wednesday as the leadership change spurred market expectation that ‌the automaker intends ⁠to accelerate commercialisation of its robot business.

“The stock appeared to have ⁠risen because of the news about the resignation of the CEO,” said James Hong, Seoul-based analyst at Macquarie, adding that Playter’s team had ‌been “R&D-oriented” for robot development.

A media report that Boston Dynamics’ robot dogs have been deployed to work at a nuclear power plant in Britain also contributed to the stock’s gains, ‌a note from Seoul-based Daishin Securities said.

Hyundai Motor Group, which controls Hyundai and Kia, acquired Boston Dynamics ‌in 2021 with a majority stake.

In January, Hyundai said it plans to deploy humanoid robots made by Boston Dynamics at its ‌U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgia.

Kia’s shares gained 4.6%.

(Reporting by Heejin Kim and Jihoon LeeEditing by Ed Davies)

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