#USA #Hong Kong #Medtronic #Cornerstone Robotics #Sentire Surgical

Cornerstone Robotics Partners with Medtronic for Global Robotic Surgery Access

In a groundbreaking announcement, Cornerstone Robotics has entered into a strategic partnership with Medtronic, a global leader in health technologies. This collaboration aims at expanding access to advanced robotic-assisted surgical care worldwide. Cornerstone Robotics, headquartered in Hong Kong, is well-known for its innovative surgical robotics advancements, and this partnership is set to enhance its mission of providing cutting-edge medical technologies to a wider audience.

The Partnership Agreement

Under the agreement, Medtronic will invest approximately $700 million into Cornerstone Robotics and obtain distribution rights for Cornerstone's Sentire™ surgical system in specific international markets outside of the U.S. where regulatory approval has been secured. This investment is not merely financial but represents a commitment to improving the accessibility of minimally invasive surgery to healthcare systems and patients globally.

Addressing the Global Gap in Surgical Care

Despite significant advancements in technology, robotic-assisted surgery utilization remains below 10% worldwide. This collaboration seeks to address the gap between the increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures and the availability of robotic surgical solutions. With Medtronic's extensive global reach and Cornerstone's innovative technology, both companies aim to transform the surgical landscape, making high-quality robotic systems accessible to a broader patient base.

Strategic Alignment for Innovation

Cornerstone Robotics has laid a solid strategic foundation through its comprehensive in-house research and development (R&D) department and a vertically integrated operational model. By developing its critical components, software algorithms, and proprietary imaging and energy platforms internally, Cornerstone maintains significant control over product integration, quality assurance, and supply chain resilience. This approach is reflected in the remarkable stability and high-performance metrics of the Sentire surgical system, designed to excel in demanding clinical environments.

In 2024, the Sentire system received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration, followed by the CE marking in the European Union and authorization from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority in May 2026. These certifications cover minimally invasive surgical procedures across general, gynecological, thoracic, and urological domains.

Statements from Leadership

Professor Kwok Wai Samuel AU, the founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing access to robotic-assisted surgery globally. There exists a considerable discrepancy between the growing demand for minimally invasive surgery and the availability of robotic surgical technologies. With our robust in-house R&D capabilities and vertical integration, we can continuously advance the essential technologies in surgical robotics. Our partnership with Medtronic will enable us to expedite and further our efforts to benefit more surgeons and patients worldwide."

Matt Anderson, the Executive Vice President and President of the Surgical division at Medtronic, added, "This investment and distribution agreement enhances Medtronic's capacity to further broaden access to minimally invasive surgery for more patients around the globe. We are thrilled to expand our offerings in the robotics field, and the Sentire system perfectly complements our Hugo platform."

Conclusion

This partnership represents a decisive step for both companies as they commit to a shared mission of making robotic-assisted surgery more accessible worldwide. Legal advisors for Cornerstone Robotics include Kirkland & Ellis and Global Law Office, while Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC serves as financial advisor for Medtronic, with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP acting as lead legal advisor.

For more information, visit Cornerstone Robotics’ website at CSRB and follow them on LinkedIn.

About Cornerstone Robotics

Founded in Hong Kong, Cornerstone Robotics is a pioneering company in surgical robotics with a vision of leading medical innovations for a healthier world. The company is advancing surgical care through state-of-the-art robotic systems designed to make high-quality healthcare more accessible and efficient around the globe. With three global R&D centers and six business offices worldwide, they have established a production site covering 30,000 square meters in China, developing the Sentire™ surgical system in-house, which has undergone multi-specialty clinical trials and received approval for commercialization in key global markets.

About Medtronic

As the world's leading health technology company headquartered in Galway, Ireland, Medtronic is dedicated to addressing some of humanity's toughest health challenges. Their mission focuses on alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life, catering to various illnesses with innovative technologies and therapies that significantly improve patient outcomes. For additional details about Medtronic, visit their website at Medtronic and follow them on LinkedIn.