#Hong Kong #Medtronic #Cornerstone Robotics #Sentire System

Cornerstone Robotics Announces Strategic Partnership with Medtronic

Hong Kong, September 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cornerstone Robotics, a Hong Kong-based innovator in robotic surgical systems, has entered a strategic partnership with Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in medical technologies. This collaboration is designed not only to expand the reach of robotic surgery but also to significantly improve access to minimally invasive medical care worldwide.

Medtronic will invest approximately $700 million into Cornerstone Robotics, acquiring distribution rights for the Sentire™ surgical system in selected international markets outside the United States where the system is already registered. This agreement highlights the common goal of narrowing the global gap in access to advanced surgical care, aligning the technological prowess of Cornerstone with Medtronic's extensive global presence.

The Need for Robotic Surgery

While the global share of robotic surgery remains modest, there exists substantial potential to offer cutting-edge surgical solutions to a broader audience of patients, medical professionals, and healthcare systems. The need for continuous technical innovation and robust market scalability is critical for successfully penetrating this sector. By combining Cornerstone Robotics' innovative technologies with Medtronic's expansive distribution networks, the partnership aims to make high-quality robotic surgery more accessible to patients around the globe.

Strategic Interaction and Technological Scaling

Cornerstone Robotics has built a solid strategic foundation through its vertically integrated operations that encompass an entire R&D cycle. By developing key hardware, control software, advanced algorithms, and proprietary imaging and energy platforms, Cornerstone maintains significant control over product integration, quality assurance, and the sustainability of supply chains. This assurance is crucial for the exceptional reliability and precision of the Sentire surgical system, crucial in complex clinical environments.

The Sentire system was approved by China's National Medical Products Administration in 2024 and received CE marking from the European Union in May 2026, as well as approval from the Singapore Health Sciences Authority. This authorizes its application for minimally invasive interventions in general surgery, gynecology, thoracic surgery, and urology.

Expert Perspectives

Professor Kwok Wai Samuel AU, founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, proclaimed, "This partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing the global accessibility of robotic surgery. The gap between the rising demand for minimally invasive surgery and the availability of robotic surgical technologies remains substantial. Our comprehensive and integrated R&D approach enables us to continually refine our key robotic surgical technologies. Partnering with Medtronic will accelerate our efforts to deliver robotic surgical benefits to more surgeons and patients worldwide."

Matt Anderson, Senior Vice President and President of Medtronic’s Surgical division, shared, "This investment-distribution agreement enhances Medtronic's capabilities to broaden access to minimally invasive surgery for more patients globally. We are excited about the opportunity to offer a wider array of robotic surgical solutions, with the Sentire system being an excellent complement to our Hugo platform."

The partnership represents a significant milestone for both companies in attaining their shared mission of improving worldwide access to robotic surgical solutions.

Legal and Financial Advisors

Legal advisors for Cornerstone Robotics include Kirkland & Ellis and Global Law Office, while Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC serves as the exclusive financial advisor to Medtronic, with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP acting as the lead legal counsel.

About Cornerstone Robotics

Founded in Hong Kong, Cornerstone Robotics develops innovative robotic surgical systems with a mission to drive medical innovations for a healthier world. The company enhances surgical technology with advanced robotic systems that improve the accessibility and effectiveness of quality medical care globally. With three global R&D centers and six business offices, Cornerstone Robotics has created a 30,000 square meter manufacturing facility in China. The Sentire™ surgical system, entirely developed in-house, has undergone multidisciplinary clinical trials and received regulatory clearance in China, the EU, and Singapore, widening access to high-quality surgical care on a global scale.

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About Medtronic

Medtronic is a leading global medical technology company headquartered in Galway, Ireland. At Medtronic, bold ideas lead to even bolder actions as we tackle healthcare's most pressing challenges with effective solutions. Our mission of alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life unites a passionate team of over 95,000 individuals in more than 150 countries. Our technologies and treatments apply across 70 diseases and conditions, incorporating cardiac devices, robotic surgical systems, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Driven by a diverse range of knowledge and an insatiable curiosity to help those in need, Medtronic continues to innovate healthcare solutions that change lives every second of every day. To learn more about Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow our updates on LinkedIn.