Primary Job Title CEO Primary Organization Boston Dynamics
Location Waltham, Massachusetts, United States Regions Greater Boston Area, East Coast, New England Gender Male
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Dr. Robert Playter is CEO of Boston Dynamics. Under his leadership, Boston Dynamics is transforming its world-leading robotics R&D into an industry-leading commercial organization with its first robot offering, Spot. Previously, as Chief Operating Officer, he spearheaded Boston Dynamics’ entrance into logistics automation with the development
of the robot Handle, and acquisition of the deep-learning computer vision software known as Pick.
Dr. Playter has over 30 years of experience researching, developing, and commercializing advanced mobile robots. He led Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot programs, including the creation of the PETMAN and Atlas robots, as well as the development of Boston Dynamics’ physics-based simulation software, Digital Biomechanics.
An NCAA Division I National Champion gymnast while studying at The Ohio State University, Playter became interested in exploring robotics inspired by human biomechanics. He received his PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from MIT in 1994. As part of his PhD thesis on robot gymnastics, performed at the MIT Leg Lab, he programmed a bipedal robot to do the world's first 3D robotic somersault.