Medtronic invests $700M in surgical partner Cornerstone Robotics

Cornerstone Robotics Sentire system combines clinical workflows with integrated engineering, software, and imaging technologies.

Sentire combines clinical workflows with integrated engineering, software, and imaging technologies. | Source: Cornerstone Robotics

Medtronic PLC today announced a new partnership with Cornerstone Robotics Ltd. that includes a $700 million investment. Medtronic has also gained the rights to distribute Cornerstone Robotics’ Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the U.S. where the system is approved.

Medtronic will distribute Sentire alongside its own Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system. The Minneapolis-based company said the two platforms will expand access to robotic-assisted surgery and offer surgeons more flexibility.

“Our strategy is focused on driving the next generation of minimally invasive surgery, one of our biggest growth opportunities,” said Matt Anderson, the senior vice president and president of surgical at Medtronic. “Surgeons, health systems and markets have varying needs and preferences, which is why we are investing across robotic platforms, digital tools and platform-enhancing technologies.”

“With Sentire complementing the Hugo RAS system, Medtronic will be the only company offering this two-platform portfolio combined with our surgical ecosystem—giving customers more access, more choice, and flexible solutions that fit their clinical and operational needs,” he added.

Through this partnership, Medtronic and Cornerstone Robotics are building a multi-port portfolio anchored by Hugo and expanded by Sentire. Cornerstone’s surgical system has completed multi-specialty clinical trials and received market approval across China, the European Union, and Singapore.

More about the Sentire system

Sentire’s architecture and immersive console with dual-console capability offer a familiar configuration suited to varying surgeon preferences and clinical needs, said Cornerstone Robotics. The Hong Kong-based company developed its system entirely in-house.

Sentire has completed multi-specialty clinical trials and received CE Mark in May 2026 for use in minimally invasive general, gynecologic, thoracic, and urologic surgical procedures.

“Since the founding of Cornerstone Robotics, we have been steadfast in our commitment to innovation, excellence and clinical value,” said Samuel Au, founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics. “We are confident physicians and patients alike will be the greatest beneficiaries of this partnership as we continue to expand access across this dynamic market.”

Medtronic builds momentum for Hugo

The partnership builds on the momentum of Medtronic’s Hugo RAS. Surgeons are using it in more than 35 countries across six continents. This includes the U.S., where it received FDA clearance within the last year.

Procedure growth for Hugo is currently more than double the growth rate of the robotic surgery market, according to Medtronic. The company said it expects total procedures to exceed 50,000 globally by the end of its fiscal year.

This week, Medtronic also invested in complex transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology with $80 million for Pi-Cardia and its ShortCut leaflet modification system.

Medtronic plans to continue to innovate Hugo’s capabilities. This includes ongoing software upgrades, real-time AI across its digital ecosystem, integrated stapling, expanded instrumentation, and clinical indications.

Medtronic designed the modular, multi-quadrant platform for a broad range of soft-tissue surgical procedures. It combines wristed instruments, 3D visualization, and Touch Surgery capabilities with dedicated support for robotics program optimization, service, and training.

Earlier this year, Medtronic gave an early look at its AI-powered compute platform for the operating room. The company said Touch Surgery Aide powers its Touch Surgery Ecosystem.