Marc Raibert: Roboticist
Marc Raibert is the pioneering roboticist and founder of Boston Dynamics, transforming animal-inspired motion into the next generation of agile, intelligent robots.
Quick Facts:
- Founder of Boston Dynamics
- Creator of advanced robots including Spot, Atlas and Stretch
- Former MIT and Carnegie Mellon professor
- Founder of the Leg Laboratory
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker and Robotics Innovation Expert
- Audiences:
Technology leaders, R&D teams, robotics and AI professionals, and innovation-focused organizations
- Outcomes:
- Understand the future of robotics and automation
- Explore human-robot collaboration opportunities
- Apply innovation thinking to emerging technologies
- Travels from: Boston, MA
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Keynote Topics
Talent Short Bio
Marc Raibert is the visionary founder of Boston Dynamics, renowned for creating the world’s most advanced and lifelike robots, including Spot, Atlas, and Stretch. Drawing inspiration from the agility and adaptability of animals, Raibert’s work bridges engineering, biomechanics, and artificial intelligence to produce machines capable of real-world mobility and dexterity.
Before launching Boston Dynamics in 1992, he was a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and an Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, where he founded the influential Leg Laboratory. His research established the foundations for dynamic legged locomotion and continues to influence robotics, automation, and AI-driven design.
A member of the National Academy of Engineering since 2008, Raibert speaks globally about innovation, human–robot collaboration, and the future of robotics in society.
Talent Videos
Meet Spot, the Robot Dog That Can Run, Hop, and Open Doors | Marc Raibert (TED Talk)
Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert showcases Spot, the agile robot dog that demonstrates how lifelike motion and AI are revolutionizing robotics.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
In this captivating TED talk, Marc Raibert introduces Spot, Boston Dynamics’ four-legged robot designed for agility, adaptability, and balance. Raibert begins by explaining his decades-long pursuit of dynamic mobility—robots that move not like machines, but like animals. Through a series of live demonstrations and video clips, he shows Spot walking, running, climbing stairs, and recovering from slips.
Raibert details how Boston Dynamics engineers modeled Spot’s movements on biological principles of coordination and reflex. Spot’s ability to handle uneven terrain, jump, or open doors arises from advanced control algorithms and real-time sensor feedback rather than pre-programmed paths. He also highlights the company’s humanoid robot Atlas, emphasizing how both machines push the limits of control systems and mechanical design.
Throughout the talk, Raibert shares his belief that motion fluid, natural, and responsive is the key to making robots useful in everyday life. He envisions robots that can work safely alongside humans in environments like factories, construction sites, and homes. Closing on an optimistic note, he stresses that lifelike motion is not just a mechanical feat—it’s the foundation for the next generation of intelligent, mobile machines.
Key Moments
- 01:16–03:00 — Early experiments in balance and legged locomotion
- 03:01–05:10 — Meet Spot: design, sensors, and agile motion
- 05:11–07:45 — Demonstrations of Spot running, climbing, and recovering from impact
- 07:46–09:30 — Control algorithms and real-time coordination explained
- 09:31–11:10 — Introducing Atlas: pushing humanlike agility
- 11:11–13:00 — Real-world applications and safety collaboration
d!talk Keynote Marc Raibert, Boston Dynamics, LIVE Robotic Show
Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert delivers a dynamic live keynote featuring real-time demonstrations of robots like Spot and Atlas, exploring agility, balance, and AI innovation.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
In this extended keynote from d!talk, Marc Raibert takes the audience behind the scenes of Boston Dynamics’ groundbreaking robotic innovations. The session combines live robot demonstrations with technical insights and forward-looking commentary on the future of intelligent machines.
Raibert begins by describing Boston Dynamics’ core mission—to build robots that move with the agility and versatility of living creatures. He introduces Spot, the four-legged robot designed for practical field operations, and showcases how it navigates uneven terrain, opens doors, and performs synchronized tasks autonomously. The audience witnesses live choreography sequences that display precision control, balance recovery, and responsive AI behavior.
Transitioning to Atlas, Raibert demonstrates humanlike mobility—running, jumping, and performing complex parkour movements. He explains how decades of research in balance, perception, and mechanical design culminated in robots capable of physical intelligence. Raibert emphasizes that mobility is not an end in itself but a foundation for utility—robots that can work alongside humans in logistics, inspection, and manufacturing.
In the closing segment, Raibert reflects on the broader vision of the Boston Dynamics AI Institute, where future research aims to merge physical dexterity with reasoning and adaptability. The keynote leaves audiences inspired by how robotic agility, once a scientific dream, is now shaping the real world.
Key Moments
- 00:00–02:10 — Introduction and Boston Dynamics mission
- 02:11–06:30 — Spot demonstration: walking, balancing, and terrain navigation
- 06:31–10:00 — Team coordination and robot-human interaction
- 10:01–14:20 — Atlas showcase: parkour and dynamic control systems
- 14:21–18:00 — Behind-the-scenes engineering and software integration
- 18:01–22:45 — Real-world applications: logistics, construction, inspection
- 22:46–27:10 — The Boston Dynamics AI Institute: merging motion with intelligence
- 27:11–30:00 — Reflections on design philosophy and future challenges
- 30:01–31:26 — Closing remarks and live robot choreography finale
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
She helps leaders create engaged, inclusive, people-focused workplace cultures.
- Customer Experience
- (6 reviews)
- Human Connection Expert
- Corporate Culture
Brings space exploration to life with inspiring leadership lessons.
- Inspired Leadership
She energizes audiences with versatile music and unforgettable live performances.
- Mobile DJ
She inspires bold leadership through performance, mindset, and breaking barriers.
- Former NASCAR Driver
He helps audiences understand AI’s potential, risks, and future direction.
- Godfather of AI
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.