Cornerstone Robotics Partners with Medtronic to Enhance Global Access to Robotic Surgery

Strategic Partnership to Expand Robotic Surgery Access

On September 2, 2026, Cornerstone Robotics, a pioneering surgical robotics company based in Hong Kong, announced a significant strategic partnership with Medtronic, a frontrunner in global medical technology. This alliance includes an investment of approximately $700 million from Medtronic, which will also acquire distribution rights for Cornerstone's Sentire™ surgical system in select non-U.S. markets where it is already approved.

Bridging the Global Gap in Surgical Access

Robotic-assisted surgery usage worldwide has remained stagnant at single-digit percentages, signaling an immense opportunity to enhance access to advanced surgical care for more patients, physicians, and healthcare systems globally. For success in this market, continuous technological innovation combined with robust market expansion capabilities are essential. By integrating Cornerstone's advanced technologies with Medtronic's extensive global reach, both companies aim to provide high-quality robotic-assisted surgical care to a larger audience.

A Foundation Built on Innovation

With a strong emphasis on its proprietary research and development and a vertically integrated business model, Cornerstone Robotics has established a solid strategic foundation. By developing its key hardware, control software, advanced algorithms, and entirely proprietary imaging and energy platforms, Cornerstone maintains significant control over product integration, quality, and supply chain resilience. Such measures ensure exceptional stability and precise performance of the Sentire surgical system under demanding clinical conditions.

In 2024, the Sentire surgical system received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). More recently, in May 2026, it achieved CE marking in the European Union and approval from the Health Sciences Authority in Singapore, covering minimally invasive general, gynecological, thoracic, and urological surgical applications.

Advancing Comprehensive Solutions

Professor Kwok Wai Samuel Au, founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, expressed that this partnership is a vital step in broadening access to robotic-assisted surgery globally. He acknowledged the substantial gap between the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgery and the accessibility of robotic-assisted surgical technologies. Cornerstone Robotics has built its success on a foundation of comprehensive in-house research and development, allowing for continuous refinement of key surgical robotics technologies. The partnership with Medtronic is expected to accelerate and broaden their implementation, delivering the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery to more surgeons and patients around the world.

Furthermore, Matt Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief of Surgery at Medtronic, noted that this investment and distribution agreement strengthens Medtronic’s ability to expand access to minimally invasive surgery for more patients globally. He stated his excitement about providing a wider array of robotic solutions, with the Sentire system complementing Medtronic's Hugo platform effectively.

Milestone Collaborative Goals

The partnership signifies a major milestone for both companies in their shared objective to increase global accessibility to robotic-assisted surgery. Legal advisers for Cornerstone Robotics include Kirkland & Ellis and Global Law Office, while Morgan Stanley serves as the exclusive financial adviser for Medtronic, with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP acting as the principal legal counsel.

About Cornerstone Robotics

Founded and headquartered in Hong Kong, Cornerstone Robotics is focused on advancing surgical robotics to foster superior medical innovations for a healthier world. The firm propels surgical care forward with state-of-the-art robotic systems that globally enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of high-quality healthcare. Cornerstone boasts three global R&D centers and six commercial offices worldwide and has established a manufacturing plant spanning 30,000 square meters in China. Its Sentire surgical system, developed in-house, has undergone clinical trials across various fields and secured market approvals in China, the European Union, and Singapore, contributing to the progression of high-quality surgical care worldwide.

For more information, visit Cornerstone Robotics and follow them on LinkedIn.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, rooted in bold thinking and actions, is a global leader in medical technology based in Galway, Ireland. The company is dedicated to addressing the most challenging health issues by innovatively seeking solutions. Their mission is to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life through diverse technologies and therapies, treating 70 health conditions, including cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, and more. Medtronic employs a passionate global team of over 95,000 people in more than 150 countries. For additional insights into their work, visit Medtronic and connect on LinkedIn.