#Hong Kong #Medtronic #Surgical Robotics #Cornerstone Robotics

Cornerstone Robotics and Medtronic: Pioneering New Frontiers in Robotic Surgery

In a monumental move set to transform the landscape of robotic surgery, Cornerstone Robotics, a cutting-edge surgical robotics company based in Hong Kong, has formally announced its strategic partnership with Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology. This collaboration is poised to revolutionize access to robotic-assisted surgical procedures, thereby enhancing patient outcomes worldwide.

Investment and Distribution Rights

As part of this strategic alliance, Medtronic will make a significant investment of approximately $700 million into Cornerstone Robotics. This investment comes with exclusive distribution rights for the Sentire™ surgical system, enabling Medtronic to provide this advanced technology in select international markets where it has received regulatory approval, but is not yet available in the United States.

A Shared Vision of Global Access

Both organizations are keenly aware of the stark gap in access to minimally invasive surgical care across the globe. Despite the promising advancements in robotic surgery, adoption rates remain low. This partnership stands as a powerful initiative to bridge this access gap, ensuring that both patients and healthcare providers can benefit from high-quality surgical solutions.

By leveraging Cornerstone Robotics' innovative technology and Medtronic's expansive global reach, the partnership aims to make robotic surgery more affordable and accessible to diverse healthcare systems around the world.

Strengthening Technological Solutions

Cornerstone Robotics has built a strong foundation based on extensive research and development (R&D) efforts and a robust vertical integration model. This approach has allowed the company to independently develop its core hardware, control software, advanced algorithms, and proprietary imaging and energy platforms. Such advancements ensure significant quality control and resilience in their product supply chain, which ultimately guarantees exceptional performance and reliability of the Sentire™ system in challenging clinical environments.

The Sentire™ surgical system achieved a crucial regulatory milestone in 2024 when it was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. Just two years later, in May 2026, it received CE marking in the European Union and approval from the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore for various minimally invasive surgical procedures, including general surgery, gynecology, thoracic, and urological surgeries.

Driving Change in Surgery Accessibility

Professor Kwok Wai Samuel AU, the founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, stated, “This alliance represents an essential step towards expanding access to robotic surgery worldwide. There remains a substantial disparity between the rising demand for minimally invasive surgery and the availability of robotic surgical technologies. With our dedicated R&D efforts and vertical integration, we continuously push boundaries in surgical robotics technologies. Our partnership with Medtronic empowers us to further accelerate our mission and extend the benefits of robotic surgery to more surgeons and patients globally.”

Alongside the investment and distribution agreement, Medtronic's Executive Vice President and President of the Surgical Division, Matt Anderson, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing, “This investment enhances Medtronic's capability to broaden access to minimally invasive surgery for patients worldwide. We are excited to integrate more robotic options, and Sentire pairs perfectly with our existing Hugo platform.”

Legal and Financial Advisors

The partnership has been facilitated with legal guidance from Kirkland & Ellis and Global Law Office for Cornerstone Robotics, whereas Medtronic has engaged Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as its exclusive financial advisor, supported by legal counsel from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.

About the Companies

Cornerstone Robotics:
Founded in Hong Kong, Cornerstone Robotics is dedicated to leading medical innovations for a healthier world. With three global R&D centers and a state-of-the-art 30,000 square meter manufacturing facility in China, the company’s Sentire™ system is a pinnacle of advanced robotic surgery technology, already achieving multiple regulatory approvals.

Medtronic:
Established in Galway, Ireland, Medtronic is a pioneering force in healthcare technology, committed to addressing the complex medical challenges facing humanity. With a diverse workforce exceeding 95,000 individuals across 150 countries, Medtronic delivers innovative solutions that cater to various health conditions and transform lives positively.

For more detailed information about this groundbreaking partnership and the innovative technologies involved, visit Cornerstone Robotics and Medtronic.