Hyundai Motor's Boston Dynamics CEO Resigns, Drives Robot Unit Stock Gains

Hyundai Motor Group's Boston Dynamics (BDX) announced on February 11, 2026, that Robert Playter, its chief executive, is stepping down. The move follows the automaker's acquisition of the robotics unit in 2021 with a majority stake. Hyundai Motor (005373.KS) shares rose 5.9% on the Seoul exchange as investors expect the leadership change to accelerate the commercialization of the robot business. A report of Boston Dynamics' robot dogs being deployed at a British nuclear power plant also contributed to the gains. In January 2026, Hyundai stated plans to deploy humanoid robots at its U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgia. Kia (005040.KS) shares gained 4.6% on the same day.