Boston Dynamics Hires Tesla's Former Optimus Chief in Humanoid Robot Race
Milan Kovac, who led Tesla's Optimus project, joins Boston Dynamics as a key executive. The move signals intensifying competition in the humanoid robotics sector as Hyundai-backed Boston Dynamics accelerates its development efforts.
The Humanoid Robot Talent War Heats Up
The race to dominate humanoid robotics just got fiercer. Boston Dynamics, backed by Hyundai, has recruited Milan Kovac, the former vice president and head of Tesla's Optimus project, signaling a strategic shift in how the industry's heavyweights are competing for engineering talent and technical expertise.
This isn't just a personnel shuffle. Kovac's departure from Tesla and arrival at Boston Dynamics represents a significant brain drain from the electric vehicle giant's robotics division—and a major coup for Hyundai's ambitions in autonomous humanoid systems.
Who Is Milan Kovac?
Kovac spent years leading Tesla's Optimus initiative, one of the most closely watched humanoid robot programs in the world. Under his leadership, Tesla made substantial progress on the bipedal robot's hardware and software architecture, positioning Optimus as a potential game-changer in factory automation and beyond.
According to reports from industry sources, Kovac's expertise spans mechanical engineering, control systems, and the integration of AI with physical robotics—precisely the skill set Boston Dynamics needs to accelerate its own humanoid development roadmap.
Boston Dynamics' Strategic Play
Boston Dynamics, long known for its cutting-edge legged robots like Spot, has been quietly expanding into humanoid robotics. The company's parent, Hyundai Motor Group, has committed significant resources to robotics development, viewing the sector as critical to its future competitiveness.
Kovac's appointment signals several strategic priorities:
- Accelerated Development: Boston Dynamics can leverage Kovac's experience to compress development timelines
- Technical Credibility: His Tesla pedigree adds legitimacy to Boston Dynamics' humanoid efforts
- Competitive Positioning: The hire directly challenges Tesla's monopoly on humanoid robotics narrative
The Broader Context
The humanoid robotics sector is experiencing a talent migration. Hyundai's appointment of Kovac as an adviser to strengthen robotics development reflects a larger trend: major automotive and tech companies are poaching specialized talent to build in-house robotics capabilities.
Tesla remains the public face of humanoid robotics, with Elon Musk frequently showcasing Optimus prototypes. However, the company's ability to retain top engineering talent—particularly those who've spent years developing core technologies—appears to be facing pressure from well-funded competitors.
Boston Dynamics and Hyundai are positioning themselves as serious contenders in a market that could eventually rival the autonomous vehicle sector in scale and impact.
What's Next?
Kovac's role at Boston Dynamics will likely focus on:
- Refining humanoid locomotion and balance systems
- Integrating machine learning with mechanical design
- Scaling production-ready prototypes
The humanoid robotics market remains nascent, but the stakes are enormous. Factory automation, logistics, and eventually consumer applications represent multi-billion-dollar opportunities. Kovac's move underscores that the real competition isn't just about technology—it's about assembling the best teams.
For Tesla, losing a key architect of Optimus raises questions about the project's continuity and timeline. For Boston Dynamics, it's a calculated investment in becoming a serious alternative to Tesla in the humanoid space.
