On February 17, 2026, the Cleveland Clinic performed the first commercial US surgery using Medtronic’s Hugo™ robotic-assisted surgery system. For OR nurses, this modular system’s mobile footprint and flexible design are intended to solve scheduling bottlenecks and allow more surgical teams to operate simultaneously using high-tech assistance.

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A new market report predicts rapid growth in hospital robotics, driven by staff shortages and the “Physical AI” boom. The report highlights that North America is leading the adoption of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for pharmacy automation and disinfection, signaling a permanent shift in hospital labor structures.

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At CES 2026, German Bionic introduced “Exia,” the first series-production exoskeleton specifically optimized for healthcare. It provides 84 lbs of lifting assistance, helping nurses with patient repositioning and transfers. Its “Augmented AI” adapts to the individual nurse’s movement patterns to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in real-time.

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A new 2026 market report indicates that “Social Robotics” is the fastest-growing sector in nursing automation. Future designs are moving away from “obedient” tools toward “active mirrors” that provide cognitive support and social engagement for isolated patients, requiring nurses to manage a new hybrid social dynamic in care.

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Alabama is launching a first-of-its-kind initiative using robots to support maternal care in areas with high infant mortality. The program uses specialized robotic assistants to monitor high-risk patients and provide virtual nursing support, bridging the gap in maternity deserts where physical healthcare access is dangerously limited.

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Diligent Robotics has launched Moxi 2.0, powered by NVIDIA Thor. This next-gen “nurse assistant” uses a new AI foundation model to reason and predict navigation in crowded wards. For nurses, this means the robot can now autonomously dodge wheelchairs and beds, handling even more complex delivery tasks without interruption.

https://www.diligentrobots.com/blog/moxi2-0

The Miroki robot, developed by Enchanted Tools, is making its UK debut at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Designed as an “endearing character,” it handles logistics and reduces anxiety in pediatric patients. It assists nurses by transporting pharmacy items and providing emotional distraction for children.

https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/12/rewired-2026-welcomes-nhs-humanoid-robots-for-first-time/

A new biomimetic robot resembling a panda cub is being trialed in Shenzhen nursing homes to provide emotional support. Using AI to detect resident distress, it offers companionship and reduces the burden on staff by providing a calming presence for elderly patients during moments of agitation or loneliness.

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/news/2026/02/anan-biomimetic-ai-robot

The TUG robot continues to dominate hospital logistics, with recent data showing a single unit can save the labor of 2.8 full-time employees by automating cart deliveries. By handling linens, food, and lab specimens, it allows nurses to focus exclusively on “top-of-license” patient care.

https://www.mddionline.com/automation/four-healthcare-robotics-companies-you-should-know-video-

The Health Tech pavilion at CES 2026 marked a turning point, moving from prototypes to “products you can buy.” New mobility-assist bots and smart rehab devices are being marketed directly to assisted living facilities, aiming to bridge the gap in the global caregiver shortage with practical AI hardware.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aIIz-hIBDwo

New telenursing platforms are being developed to allow nurses to monitor vitals and perform basic medical tasks remotely. These robots prevent infection transmission in contagious wards and allow one nurse to oversee multiple patients through a robotic “avatar” that can navigate the room and interact naturally.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00072-z

The robotic nurse assistant market is expected to grow from USD 1.39 billion in 2025 to 1.61 billion in 2026 and forecast to reach 3.32 USD billion by 2031. Demand is escalating as health systems confront a widening nurse staffing shortage.

https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/robotic-nurse-assistant-market