A fiber optic connector fiber stub remover and method for automated fiber stub removal. The device has a top plate with a platen opening, and a platen with a well that carries a polishing film over the well. An air pocket is formed between the polishing film and the well. The platen is positioned with a top surface of the polishing film accessible via the platen opening. A fixture holds connector ends of fiber optic cables with fiber stubs extending therefrom, and a weight biases the fiber stubs into contact with the polishing film. A motor is controlled by a motor control unit to control a ramp up time and final speed of movement of the platen over a timespan. Each connector ends moves independently relative to the polishing film. The air pocket provides shock absorption of the polishing film so that an ideal pressure is exerted on each fiber stub during stub removal.