Cornerstone Robotics and Medtronic Enter Strategic Partnership

HONG KONG, September 1, 2026 – Cornerstone Robotics, a Hong Kong-based innovator in surgical robotics, today announced a strategic partnership with Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology. Under the agreement, Medtronic will invest approximately $700 million strategically in Cornerstone Robotics and obtain rights to distribute Cornerstone's Sentire laparoscopic surgical robot in select approved markets outside the United States.

The collaboration aims to enhance the global accessibility of robot-assisted surgery. Current penetration rates for robot-assisted surgery remain low, indicating significant room for increased adoption of advanced surgical services. Cornerstone Robotics will combine its technological expertise with Medtronic's extensive global commercialization network to accelerate the adoption and use of the Sentire system worldwide.

Cornerstone Robotics has developed its Sentire system with full in-house control over all core technologies, including mechanical structure, electronic systems, control software, and algorithms. The Sentire system received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in 2024 and subsequently achieved European CE Mark and Singapore HSA clearance in 2026, covering minimally invasive surgical procedures across multiple specialties.

Professor Ouk Wai-kwok, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, stated that the collaboration with Medtronic is a significant step toward advancing the widespread adoption of robot-assisted surgery. He emphasized the company's commitment to self-developed technology and the synergistic benefits of the partnership. Matt Anderson, Medtronic's Senior Vice President, Global Operations, Surgery, added that the investment will strengthen Medtronic's ability to expand access to minimally invasive surgery globally and complement their Hugo platform.