How to Buy Boston Dynamics Stock
Ready to invest in Boston Dynamics? Learn how to buy stock in this leading robotics company in this guide.
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With the robotics and AI industries expected to grow 14-15% over the next decade[1], many investors are eager to buy Boston Dynamics stock.
However, Boston Dynamics is privately owned, meaning its shares aren't publicly traded. But there are ways to invest indirectly.
In this guide, you'll learn how to invest before an IPO and alternative ways to gain exposure to the robotics industry.
What is Boston Dynamics?
Boston Dynamics is a robotics company specializing in advanced mobile robots powered by artificial intelligence. Founded in 1992 by Marc Raibert as an MIT spin-off, the company initially developed robotics for military-funded research before expanding into commercial applications.
They're best known for their highly agile robots:
- Spot: A four-legged robotic dog used for industrial inspections, security, and data collection.
- Atlas: A humanoid robot designed to test advanced mobility, agility, and AI-driven automation.
- Stretch: A mobile robotic arm built for warehouse logistics, capable of unloading trucks and moving heavy boxes.
These robots are used in industries such as construction, defense, logistics, and manufacturing. While Boston Dynamics continues to push the boundaries of robotics, it remains a privately owned company and isn't publicly traded.
Who Owns Boston Dynamics?
Boston Dynamics has changed hands several times, reflecting its evolution from a research-focused lab into a commercially driven robotics company:
- Google (2013-2017): Google acquired Boston Dynamics as part of its broader push into robotics.[2] While under Google's ownership, the company remained focused on research and did not release any commercial products. Internal misalignment and a lack of clear revenue strategy reportedly led to the eventual sale.
- SoftBank (2017-2021): Purchased Boston Dynamics from Google to expand its AI and automation portfolio.[3] During this period, Boston Dynamics began transitioning toward commercialization, including the launch of its first product, the Spot robot, in 2020.
- Hyundai Motor Company (2021-Present): Acquired an 80% stake for $1.1 billion, with SoftBank retaining 20%.[4] Hyundai sees robotics as a core part of its future strategy in smart mobility, logistics, and industrial automation. The acquisition aligns with Hyundai's broader shift beyond traditional automotive manufacturing.
As of 2025, the CEO of Boston Dynamics is Robert Playter. He has led the company since 2019 and previously served as its Vice President of Engineering. Under his leadership, Boston Dynamics has shifted focus from research to commercial applications.
Can you buy Boston Dynamics Stock?
Boston Dynamics stock isn't publicly traded, meaning you can't buy it on any exchange. However, you can still invest directly through its major investors.
Most of its investors are venture capital firms and technology corporations, such as Google and SoftBank. These companies give funds to develop robots for research, military, and commercial uses.
No Boston Dynamics IPO has yet been announced, but there are alternative options for retail and accredited investors.
As a high-cost R&D company, Boston Dynamics hasn't reached the profitability or scale needed for a public offering. Its owners may prefer private control to focus on long-term development.
How to Indirectly Invest in Boston Dynamics
Since Boston Dynamics is privately owned, the most direct way to invest is by buying stock in its parent company, Hyundai Motor Company. It owns 80% of Boston Dynamics and is integrating its robotics into manufacturing, logistics, and future mobility projects.
Hyundai stock trades in the U.S. through the over-the-counter (OTC) market
under the ticker HYMTF. While it isn't listed on major exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ, U.S. investors can still access the stock through select brokers.
Here's how to invest in Boston Dynamics through Hyundai:
- Open an account with a brokerage that supports OTC trading (e.g., Charles Schwab, Fidelity).
- Fund your account according to the broker's minimum requirements.
- Search for the Hyundai ticker symbol: HYMTF
- Choose how many shares or how much money to invest.
- Place your order.
Over-the-counter (OTC) stocks are often less liquid and less regulated than those on major exchanges. Prices may be more volatile and trade execution can be slower.
How to buy Boston Dynamics Stock before IPO
Currently, Boston Dynamics isn't yet listed on any secondary platform like EquityZen, Hiive, or Forge. This means there's no available Boston Dynamics stock for purchase—whether in the private, or public market.
Luckily, you can always invest in alternative companies. Read on.
Alternatives to Boston Dynamics Stock
If you want exposure to robotics and AI but can't invest directly in Boston Dynamics, consider these publicly traded alternatives:
- iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ: IRBT)
iRobot designs consumer robots like the Roomba vacuum cleaner and is one of the only publicly traded pure-play robotics companies. Its narrow focus on home automation makes it unique in the space.
However, due to recent financial challenges and strategic uncertainty, it should be viewed as a high-risk, speculative investment.
Financial stability concerns and long-term competitiveness.
Amazon agreed to acquire iRobot for $1.7 billion in 2022, aiming to expand its smart home ecosystem.[5] However, the deal was terminated in early 2024 after the European Commission signaled it would block the merger over antitrust concerns[6]. - NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA)
NVIDIA powers AI and robotics with advanced GPUs and computing platforms. Its hardware is widely used in autonomous systems and robotics R&D, including applications similar to those developed by Boston Dynamics. - ABB Ltd. (NASDAQ: ABBNY)
ABB is a global leader in industrial automation and robotics. It manufactures robotic arms and automation systems used in factories, logistics, and other commercial sectors, offering strong exposure to enterprise-scale robotics. - Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK)
Rockwell provides automation equipment and software for industrial clients. Its system supports robotics-driven manufacturing and warehouse operations across multiple sectors. - ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (NYSEARCA: ARKQ)
This ETF includes a range of companies involved in robotics, AI, and automation. Its holdings change over time but often include names like Tesla, Kratos Defense, and Teradyne. It's a good option for diversified exposure to the broader robotics sector.
What is Boston Dynamics' Valuation?
Boston Dynamics is a leader in robotics innovation, but the company isn't profitable yet. It reinvests heavily in research and development, contributing to mounting yearly losses. According to reports, the company posted net losses of approximately $248 million in 2023.[7]
These losses reflect the high cost of building advanced robotics technology. While this level of spending limits short-term profitability, it aligns with Boston Dynamics' long-term goal of commercializing robots for industrial, logistics, and mobility applications.
Profitability will depend on how well its products scale across global markets.
No, Boston Dynamics isn't currently profitable. The company continues to operate at a loss, with significant annual net losses in recent years.[7] Most of its spending goes toward research and development as it continues to commercialize its products.
Why invest in Boston Dynamics?
Boston Dynamics is one of the most recognized names in advanced robotics, and it's known for pushing the boundaries of mobility, AI integration, and automation. Its robots are already being tested in commercial settings such as construction, security, manufacturing, and logistics.
The company has attracted major investors in the past, including Google and SoftBank. Under Hyundai's ownership, it's now focused on scaling production and integrating robotics into broader mobility and industrial solutions.
Government agencies like DARPA
have also funded Boston Dynamics' work, adding credibility to its long-term innovation potential.[8]
For investors, the appeal lies in its position at the forefront of a fast-growing sector. As robotics and AI become central to global industries, Boston Dynamics could be well-positioned to benefit—especially if Hyundai leverages the technology across its automotive, logistics, and smart city initiatives.
No, you can't buy shares of Boston Dynamics directly. The company is privately held, with Hyundai Motor Group owning an 80% stake and SoftBank retaining the remaining 20%. Therefore, Boston Dynamics isn't listed on any public stock exchange.
Bottom Line
You can't buy Boston Dynamics stock directly—it's a privately owned company with no announced IPO plans. But you can invest indirectly by buying shares of Hyundai (OTC: HYMTF), which owns 80% of Boston Dynamics.
For broader exposure to the robotics industry, consider alternatives like NVIDIA, ABBNY, Rockwell Automation, or robotics-focused ETFs like ARKQ. Each offers a different angle on automation, AI, and industrial robotics.
As with any investment in emerging technology, expect volatility and long timelines. But for investors who believe in the long-term of robotics, Boston Dynamics—and the companies around it—represent a compelling opportunity.
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References
- ^ Robotics Tomorrow. Robotics industry will be worth $218 billion in 2030, forecasts GlobalData, Retrieved 03/20/2025
- ^ BBC. Google buys military robot-maker Boston Dynamics, Retrieved 03/20/2025
- ^ Forbes. SoftBank Acquires Boston Dynamics From Alphabet, Retrieved 03/20/2025
- ^ Hyundai. Hyundai Motor Group Completes Acquisition of Boston Dynamics from SoftBank, Retrieved 03/20/2025
- ^ CNBC. Amazon to acquire maker of Roomba vacuums for roughly $1.7 billion, Retrieved 03/24/2025
- ^ The Wall Street Journal. EU Commission Intends to Block Amazon's iRobot Acquisition, Retrieved 03/24/2025
- ^ The Korea Herald. Hyundai motor's bet on robot dog befalls murky outlook, Retrieved 03/24/2025
- ^ IEEE Spectrum. Boston Dynamics Gets $10 Million from DARPA for New Stealthy, Bulletproof LS3, Retrieved 03/25/2025
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