Strategic Partnership between Cornerstone Robotics and Medtronic Eases Access to Robotic Surgery

Cornerstone Robotics Partners with Medtronic

Cornerstone Robotics, a pioneering company in surgical robotics based in Hong Kong, recently announced a landmark collaboration with Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology. The partnership involves a significant investment of approximately $700 million from Medtronic, combined with the rights to distribute Cornerstone's Sentire™ surgical system in select regions outside the United States.

Bridging Global Access to Healthcare

The aim of this partnership is clear: to improve accessibility to robotic-assisted surgery, an area where adoption remains low globally. Currently, the percentage of surgeries performed using robotic assistance is still in single digits worldwide. This collaboration is viewed as a vital step toward bridging the gap between the rising demand for minimally invasive surgical solutions and the limited availability of advanced surgical technologies.

According to Professor Kwok Wai Samuel AU, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, this partnership allows them to leverage Medtronic's vast global reach while continuing to innovate with their own robotics technology. "The significant gap that exists between demand and the availability of robotic-assisted surgery technologies needs urgent attention. With this partnership, we can enhance our capabilities to provide these technologies to more practitioners and patients around the globe," he stated.

Strengthening Technological Foundations

Cornerstone Robotics has built a robust portfolio based on full-stack in-house research and development (R&D) and a vertically integrated model. This approach allows the company to independently develop its critical hardware, control software, algorithms, proprietary imaging, and energy platforms. Such control ensures that the Sentire surgical system can perform exceptionally well in high-demand clinical environments.

In recent years, the Sentire surgical system has gained significant regulatory approvals, including approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration in 2024 and the CE Mark in the European Union in May 2026, along with endorsement from Singapore Health Sciences Authority. These approvals position Sentire for diverse surgical applications across multiple specialties.

A Bright Future Ahead

Medtronic's investment strengthens its ability to enhance the offerings in robotic surgical solutions, complementing their existing Hugo platform. As Matt Anderson, Senior Vice President of Surgical at Medtronic, mentioned, "Through this investment and distribution agreement, we can expand access to minimally invasive procedures for patients. We are committed to bringing more choices in surgical robotics, and we see Sentire as an excellent addition to our product lineup."

The collaboration between Cornerstone Robotics and Medtronic forms a significant milestone in their shared commitment to transforming surgical care. By harnessing their combined expertise, they aim to make robotic-assisted surgeries more widely accessible, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

This partnership not only reflects the ambitious goals of both companies but also signals a shift towards prioritizing patient needs in healthcare technology. With continued efforts in innovation and expansion, the future of robotic-assisted surgery looks promising, offering patients a more efficient, less intrusive option for treatment.

For more information about Cornerstone Robotics and their innovative technologies, visit Cornerstone Robotics and join the conversation on LinkedIn.

About Cornerstone Robotics

Founded in Hong Kong, Cornerstone Robotics is dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative robotic systems. With multiple R&D hubs and a substantial manufacturing facility, the company is on a mission to improve surgical care accessibility and quality worldwide.

About Medtronic

Medtronic is a distinguished leader in healthcare technology, committed to addressing the world's most difficult health challenges. Their mission revolves around alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life across a wide array of medical conditions and procedures. Their operational experience and breadth of solutions enable transformative changes in how patient care is delivered globally.