Why are 'delivery robots' heading to 'hospitals'? The winning strategy and investment thesis for 'Physical AI' seen in Serve Robotics' $29 million acquisition

On January 21, 2026, Serve Robotics Inc. (hereinafter, Serve or the company), a leader in last-mile autonomous delivery technology, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Diligent Robotics (hereinafter, Diligent), which deploys the 'Moxi' autonomous medical delivery robot, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $29 million. For Serve, this transaction represents more than just an expansion of its business domain; it marks a critical turning point in extending the application of 'Physical AI' from outdoor sidewalks to complex indoor medical environments.