Deloitte Presents: What Physical AI & robotics means for New Zealand: The moment of acceleration
Description
Right now, autonomous robots are wheeling through hospital corridors in the United States, saving nurses 30 minutes a shift. Mega-factories in China are building robots that build robots. Companion robots are easing loneliness in aged care homes. Closer to home, our primary sector and public research organisations are increasingly exploring autonomous capabilities on land, sea and in the air. Physical AI, and the robots it brings to life - machines that see, think, and act in the physical world - has crossed the line from science fiction to operational reality, and it's reshaping every industry faster than most New Zealand organisations realise.
This 90-minute interactive online session, anchored by Deloitte's recently released whitepaper Physical AI: The moment of acceleration, makes the global picture make sense for Aotearoa. Across three segments, we'll cover what's already operational, what's coming next from China's most advanced Physical AI sites, and what New Zealand should be doing about it -starting with healthcare, where the case is most urgent.
By the end, you'll know what Physical AI actually is, why it matters here, what's possible, and where to start.
What to expect:
What's real: Physical AI and robotics are already operational today, with industry voices showing what human-centred robotics looks like in practice - and reframing what most people think this technology can do right now.
What's next: Firsthand intelligence from our AI Institute Director, Amanda Williamson, fresh from China's leading Physical AI sites including ABB's robotics mega-factory and the innovation ecosystem of Shenzhen.
What’s ours: A frank conversation on robotics and physical AI applied into healthcare - from Moxi robots already operating in US hospitals saving thousands of nursing hours, to the role of generalised, capable and intelligent humanoid robots working within hospital wards, and residential care facilities. Discussion will focus on the opportunity to address the global 10 million health worker shortage, and the implications for New Zealand and our constrained healthcare workforce. Featuring genetics practitioner, podcaster, entrepreneur and elite endurance athlete, Lisa Tamati, we will discuss the urgency for New Zealand to be on the leading edge of innovation, with her first-hand account of caring full-time for her mother and the opportunities that robotics provide to those that need help the most.
Live audience polls and Q&A: this isn't a watch-along, it's a working conversation.
Clear pathways to start your Physical AI journey.
Speakers
Brian McCarthy
Chief Commercial Officer at Andromeda Robotics Brian leads the real-world deployment of Abi, the empathetic humanoid companion designed to deliver connection, joy, and meaningful support to aged care residents and teams. Brian has over 20 years of experience in technology, innovation & leadership across Europe, the US and Australia. Brian is deeply passionate about leveraging technology to enhance the lives of older adults and people living with dementia.
Amanda Williamson
AI Institute Director, Deloitte New Zealand Amanda builds enterprise AI capability from scratch and lead teams to deliver it. I've driven AI adoption at scale, advised multiple boards on AI governance and investment, and trained 500+ business leaders in AI. My foundation is technical: a PhD using AI-driven analytics, a Graduate Certificate in Computer Science, and AI certifications across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle, and Databricks. This lets me bridge technical teams and executive leadership. That's where most AI initiatives break down. As Director of the Deloitte New Zealand AI Institute, I work with boards and executive teams to make AI practical. I connect strategy, governance, technology, and adoption.
Lisa Tamati
Endurance athlete, biotech entrepreneur, author, and caregiver advocate. Lisa Tamati is a New Zealand-based health optimisation leader, biotech entrepreneur, and former professional ultra-endurance athlete, whose work sits at the intersection of human performance, healthcare innovation, and advanced technology. After a 25-year career competing in some of the world's most extreme endurance events, Lisa transitioned into health science and longevity, applying cutting-edge research in genetics, functional medicine, and recovery technologies to real-world health challenges. Lisa runs a tech media platform, www.ptlsignal.com, covering health, longevity, AI, tech and markets, alongside www.lisatamati.com. Her podcast Pushing the Limits explores the future of health, performance, and human potential. As a caregiver to her mother for over a decade - navigating hospital care and long-term home-based care - Lisa brings a rare combination of lived experience, public voice, and clear-eyed perspective on what Physical AI in healthcare could mean for the people who need it most.
Ruby Osborne
Physical AI Specialist, Deloitte New Zealand Ruby supports leading Physical AI community and market activation at Deloitte in New Zealand, helping organisations move from curiosity to capability in one of the most consequential technology shifts of the decade. She works across Deloitte's global practitioner network and local industry to make Physical AI tangible, turning frontline deployments into clear answers for the questions New Zealand leaders are sitting with right now. She is the founder and convener of The PAI Collective, Deloitte's growing community for those building, deploying, and exploring Physical AI in Aotearoa, and a sharp voice for why this moment matters here.
Paulo Osorio
Technology & Transformation Partner, Deloitte New Zealand Paulo has led large-scale technology and transformation programmes across Europe, Asia and New Zealand, helping organisations navigate complexity and realise measurable value. He specialises in leading both private and public sector organisations through end-to-end change, from strategy through to delivery. He is passionate about the future of robotics and Physical AI, and the societal benefits this can bring to Aotearoa. He sees intelligent robotics as a catalyst for reimagining work and overcoming labour scarcity – especially in healthcare, where workforce constraints restrict productivity and the path to abundance. Paulo joins this session to connect the strategic, technological and human dimensions of robotics and Physical AI, and translate what’s emerging into practical implications for New Zealand organisations.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
