Medtronic has agreed to make an approximately US$700 million strategic investment in Cornerstone Robotics, a Hong Kong-based surgical robotics company, under a partnership aimed at expanding access to robotic-assisted surgery globally.

As part of the agreement, Medtronic will also secure rights to distribute Cornerstone Robotics’ Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the US where the system has received regulatory approval.

The partnership brings together Cornerstone Robotics’ surgical robotics technology and Medtronic’s global commercial footprint as the companies seek to address the relatively low adoption of robotic-assisted surgery worldwide. 

Cornerstone Robotics follows a vertically integrated, full-stack development model, with in-house capabilities spanning hardware, control software, advanced algorithms, imaging and energy platforms. The company said this approach provides greater control over product integration, quality and supply chain resilience.

The Sentire surgical system received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration in 2024. In May 2026, it received CE Mark approval in the European Union and approval from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority, covering minimally invasive general, gynecologic, thoracic and urologic procedures.

“This partnership marks an important step in advancing access to robotic-assisted surgery around the world,” said Professor Kwok Wai Samuel Au, Founder and CEO, Cornerstone Robotics. He said the partnership with Medtronic would help accelerate and scale the company's development of surgical robotics technology and extend its reach to more surgeons and patients.

Matt Anderson, Senior Vice President and President, Surgical at Medtronic, said the investment and distribution agreement would strengthen Medtronic's ability to expand access to minimally invasive surgery and provide greater choice in surgical robotics. He added that Sentire would complement Medtronic's Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system.

The deal marks a major strategic partnership in the surgical robotics sector, combining Cornerstone Robotics' technology platform with Medtronic's international reach to accelerate adoption of robotic-assisted surgery in eligible markets.