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.

Contact the host of Deloitte Presents: What Physical AI & robotics means for New Zealand: The moment of acceleration