Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the healthcare sector, with applications in robotic surgery, diagnostics, medical imaging, drug discovery, genomics, and clinical workflow automation. Investors can gain exposure through individual stocks or diversified ETFs. Here’s a look at the leading opportunities.
Intuitive Surgical
Intuitive Surgical is the maker of the da Vinci robotic surgery system, widely used in minimally invasive procedures. The stock offers exposure to surgical automation and data-driven operating rooms. In Q1 2026, the company reported revenue of $2.77 billion, up 23% year-over-year, with adjusted earnings of $2.50 per share. Both the da Vinci and Ion systems saw procedure growth of 17% and 39%, respectively, and 431 new da Vinci systems were installed globally.
Tempus AI
Tempus AI uses AI and medical data to enable precision medicine, focusing on oncology, cardiology, radiology, and depression. Listed on Nasdaq under ticker TEM in 2024, the company specializes in diagnostics and genome sequencing. While the opportunity is large—precision medicine requires integrating genomic, clinical, and imaging data—Tempus remains a growth-stage business, so investors should monitor revenue growth, margins, cash burn, and adoption rates.
GE HealthCare
GE HealthCare provides AI exposure through medical imaging and hospital technology at scale. The company operates four segments: medical imaging, ultrasound, patient care solutions, and pharmaceutical diagnostics. It has acquired AI firms such as Caption Health (2023) and Intelligent Ultrasound’s clinical AI business (2024). Trading near $64, about 27.77% below its 52-week high of $89.77, GE HealthCare offers a less momentum-driven AI healthcare play.
AI Healthcare ETFs
For diversified exposure, consider these ETFs:
- Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) – $3.52 billion AUM, 0.68% expense ratio. Includes industrial robotics, autonomous systems, and medical robotics, with holdings like Intuitive Surgical.
- First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT) – 114 stocks, 0.65% expense ratio. Broader exposure across tech, industrials, and healthcare, including Tempus AI and Illumina.
- ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) – $2.05 billion AUM, 0.95% expense ratio. Targets robotics, automation, and AI across healthcare, life sciences, and industrials, with no single oversized holding.
Final Thoughts
Intuitive Surgical offers robotic surgery exposure; GE HealthCare provides scale in hospital technology; and Tempus AI targets high-growth precision medicine. ETFs like BOTZ, ROBT, and ROBO reduce single-stock risk. A balanced strategy combining established names, ETFs, and a smaller allocation to higher-risk AI stocks may be prudent.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
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