Boston Dynamics Robotics Research VP Scott Kuindersma to Step Down

A prototype of the next-generation electric Atlas humanoid robot waves during a Hyundai Motor Group press conference on Jan. 5 (local time) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. [Photo=Aju Economy DB]

Hyundai Motor Group robotics unit Boston Dynamics said Scott Kuindersma, vice president of robotics research, has submitted his resignation.

Industry sources said Feb. 18 that Kuindersma wrote on social media that he decided in January to leave Boston Dynamics.

“Starting with a small research team, we became the first to showcase humanoid robot parkour, and it has been an incredible journey all the way to launching Atlas, a product with the potential to reshape industrial automation,” he wrote. “I’m truly grateful for the chance to build, fail, learn and celebrate achievements with the world’s best robotics experts.”

Kuindersma joined Boston Dynamics in 2018 and played a key role in commercialization by developing control algorithms for the Atlas humanoid robot. He later was promoted to vice president overseeing robotics research across the company.

Separately, Robert Playter, who has led Boston Dynamics for seven years, said he will step down as CEO on Feb. 27. Chief Financial Officer Amanda McMaster will serve as interim CEO until the board names a successor.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Lee Seongjin leesj@ajunews.com