Medtronic has announced a strategic partnership with Cornerstone Robotics, an innovative surgical robotics company based out of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The approximately $700 million investment includes rights to distribute Cornerstone Robotics’ Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the U.S. where the system is market approved.
Medtronic will distribute the Sentire alongside its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system. The companies say that together with Medtronic’s connected surgical ecosystem, the two platforms will expand access to robotic-assisted surgery and offer surgeons and health systems more choice and flexible solutions.
Matt Anderson, Senior Vice President and President, Surgical at Medtronic said: “Our strategy is focused on driving the next generation of minimally invasive surgery, one of our biggest growth opportunities. Surgeons, health systems and markets have varying needs and preferences, which is why we are investing across robotic platforms, digital tools and platform-enhancing technologies.
“With Sentire complementing the Hugo RAS system, Medtronic will be the only company offering this two-platform portfolio combined with our surgical ecosystem, giving customers more access, more choice, and flexible solutions that fit their clinical and operational needs.”
In 2024, Cornerstone Robotics’ Sentire surgical system received National Medical Products Administration approval in China. In May 2026, the Sentire surgical system received CE Mark in the European Union and approval from Singapore Health Sciences Authority, both covering minimally invasive general, gynaecologic, thoracic, and urologic surgical procedures.
“This partnership marks an important step in advancing access to robotic-assisted surgery around the world,” said Professor Kwok Wai Samuel AU, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics. “There remains a significant gap between the growing demand for minimally invasive surgery and the availability of robotic-assisted surgical technologies.
“At Cornerstone Robotics, we have built a strong foundation through full-stack in-house R&D and vertical integration, enabling us to continuously advance the core technologies of surgical robotics. Our partnership with Medtronic positions us to further accelerate and scale our work to bring the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery to more surgeons and patients around the world.”
Medtronic says it will continue to innovate the capabilities of the Hugo RAS system, including ongoing software upgrades, real-time artificial intelligence across its digital ecosystem, integrated stapling, expanded instrumentation, and clinical indications. Medtronic claims that procedure growth for the Hugo RAS system is currently more than two times the growth rate of the robotic surgery market, and total procedures are expected to exceed 50,000 globally by the end of the fiscal year according to the company.
The structure of the deal between the two companies involves Medtronic paying approximately $700 million for distribution rights, with Cornerstone retaining ownership of the Sentire platform and its intellectual property. The deal is presented as an investment and distribution deal, not an acquisition.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Medtronic, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is serving as lead legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis and Global Law Office are acting as legal counsel to Cornerstone Robotics.
