The Leap to Physical AI: What’s Next Beyond Digital Intelligence

Ascend Vancouver Presents "The Leap to Physical AI: What’s Next Beyond Digital Intelligence"

Artificial Intelligence is moving beyond software and screens—into the physical world. From robotics and autonomous systems to AI-powered healthcare and smart infrastructure, Physical AI represents the next major leap in how technology interacts with people, businesses, and society.

Join Ascend Vancouver for an interactive, executive-level workshop that demystifies Physical AI and explores what this shift means for professionals across industries. Designed for a non-technical audience, this session will focus on practical implications, realistic adoption timelines, and the challenges leaders must navigate as AI moves from digital to physical environments.

The event format will be a fireside chat and presentation with CTO and Robotics AI expert from .

Key Discussion Themes

• What is Physical AI—and why does it matter now?
  Understanding the evolution from digital AI to systems that can perceive, move, and act in the real world.
• Current capabilities and real-world use cases
  Where Physical AI is already showing up across industries such as finance, healthcare, consulting, and technology.
• The adoption curve
  A realistic view of when and how Physical AI may integrate into workplaces and households.
• Barriers and challenges
  Exploring regulatory, ethical, operational, and trust-related hurdles to adoption.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for mid-career professionals, as well as junior and senior leaders, who:

• Are curious about emerging technologies but are not technical specialists
• Work in finance, banking, consulting, technology, or healthcare
• Want to understand how AI trends may impact their roles, organizations, and clients
• Are looking to stay ahead of future-of-work and innovation conversations

Why Attend

• Gain a clear, practical understanding of Physical AI without technical jargon
• Learn how emerging AI capabilities may shape future roles, industries, and leadership decisions
• Engage in thoughtful discussion with peers who are equally curious about what’s next
• Expand your professional network within Ascend Vancouver’s cross-industry community

Light refreshments will be served as part of the ticket admission.

Thank you to for being our venue sponsor!

Hossein Dehghani is the Chief Technology Officer at Human in Motion Robotics Inc. He holds an MASc in Mechatronic Systems Engineering from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, bringing a unique blend of technical and strategic leadership at the intersection of human movement and intelligent machines.

With over 15 years of experience in the medical device and robotics industries, Hossein has led development through multiple phases of prototyping, manufacturing, and product commercialization. Before joining HMR, he worked extensively on mobility-assistive technologies, including the design and development of standing and elevating power wheelchairs, successfully leading several products from concept to market and gaining deep expertise in certification and regulatory processes.

At HMR, Hossein drives advancements in robotic design, control systems, AI-driven locomotion, and product scalability—bridging medical rehabilitation and humanoid robotics to create human-centric technologies that enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life.

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Ascend Canada was founded in 2012 to enhance the presence, visibility and influence of current and future Pan-Asian business leaders. With the support of our numerous corporate partners, our objectives are to develop the full potential of our 3,000+ members by leveraging our networks and providing programs and events that inspire, as well as educate.

Ascend is the largest, non-profit Pan-Asian organization for business professionals in North America. Ascend reaches 60,000 people with 40+ student chapters and 18 professional chapters located in both the United States and Canada around major business hubs and educational institutions.

Develop and advance Pan-Asian talent by building meaningful and engaging experiences which elevate our Members.

To build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive Canada where Pan-Asian talent may achieve their full potential.

Visit us at https://ascendleadership.ca or contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

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