Next-Gen Mobility in 2026

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in global mobility. It’s already reshaping how programs operate, how teams make decisions, and how transferees experience relocation. In the HRO Today Educational Podcast episode “Next-Gen Mobility in 2026,” Debbie Bolla, Angela Tan, and Kelly Cannon explore how AI is moving from experimentation to real operational impact.

One of the most telling insights from the discussion: 43% of organizations are already using AI for operational support in their global mobility programs, with another 19% planning to adopt it within the next year. That means more than half of the market is either actively leveraging AI or preparing to do so. For mobility leaders, the shift is well underway.

Start Where AI Adds the Most Value

It’s clear that AI should not replace human judgment. Instead, it should be deployed in areas that are repetitive, time-consuming, and rules-based. Tasks like status checks, file updates, document interpretation, and report generation are prime candidates for automation. These functions consume significant administrative time but rarely require strategic thinking.

By integrating AI into these workflows, mobility teams can redirect their focus toward higher-value advisory work. That transition is critical as global mobility continues to evolve into a more strategic function aligned with workforce planning and business growth.

Data Protection and Compliance Remain Foundational

As AI capabilities expand, so do questions around data security and regulatory compliance. The panel emphasizes that AI implementation must be accompanied by strong governance frameworks. Mobility programs handle sensitive personal and financial data, so protecting that information is non-negotiable.

AI integration should proceed in parallel with privacy safeguards, policy oversight, and compliance controls to ensure organizations mitigate risk while improving efficiency.

From Chatbots to Intelligent Mobility Platforms

The evolution of AI tools within mobility programs is already visible. The speakers highlight the progression of a chatbot named “Moxy,” which began as a policy consultant assistant and has since evolved into a fully integrated natural language AI experience. This shift reflects a broader trend: AI tools are no longer static information repositories. They are becoming interactive, contextual, and increasingly intelligent.

Beyond simple automation, AI can now personalize the relocation journey. In transferee portals, dynamic content and recommendations can adapt based on user behavior. This level of personalization improves clarity, reduces friction, and supports a more seamless experience for relocating employees and their families.

Smarter Decisions Through Enhanced Analytics

AI is also elevating the analytical capabilities of mobility programs. Cost estimates can be streamlined. Expense reports can be processed more efficiently. Consultant workloads can be balanced more effectively. These improvements support data-driven decision-making at both the operational and strategic levels.

Reporting, in particular, is undergoing significant change. AI can transform lengthy reports into concise summaries. Clients can ask targeted questions and receive customized outputs. Predictive analytics is becoming more sophisticated, enabling proactive program management rather than reactive oversight.

Efficiency, ROI, and the Voice of the Customer

Operational efficiency gains are tangible. Optimized caseload management reduces stress for transferees and consultants alike. Faster expense processing leads to quicker reimbursements. These improvements contribute directly to higher satisfaction and better overall program outcomes.

However, AI is not cost-free. Organizations must account for upfront development costs and ongoing maintenance investments. Clear return-on-investment metrics are essential. Pilot programs are recommended before scaling implementation to ensure solutions address real customer pain points and deliver measurable value.

Looking Ahead to 2026

By 2026, next-generation mobility will be defined by intelligent automation, personalized employee experiences, and data-driven strategy. The organizations that move thoughtfully—balancing innovation with compliance, and efficiency with empathy—will position mobility not just as an operational function, but as a strategic enabler of global talent success.

For mobility leaders, the question is no longer whether to adopt AI. It’s about implementing it in a way that strengthens outcomes for both the business and the employee.