Medtronic invests $700M in Cornerstone Robotics for surgical

Medtronic PLC has announced a $700 million investment and a new partnership with Cornerstone Robotics Ltd. The deal grants Medtronic the rights to distribute Cornerstone's Sentire surgical system in select, approved markets outside the United States.

Matt Anderson, senior vice president and president of surgical at Medtronic, stated the company's strategy is focused on driving the next generation of minimally invasive surgery. "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 said.

Expanding a multi-port portfolio

Through this partnership, the companies are building a multi-port surgical portfolio anchored by Medtronic's Hugo system and expanded by Cornerstone's Sentire. Medtronic will distribute the two robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) platforms together. The Minneapolis-based firm stated this dual-platform approach aims to expand access to robotic-assisted surgery and offer surgeons greater flexibility.

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

The Sentire system has completed multi-specialty clinical trials. It has received market approval in China, the European Union, and Singapore. It received a CE Mark in May 2026 for use in minimally invasive general, gynecologic, thoracic, and urologic surgical procedures.

Building on Hugo's momentum

This partnership builds on the existing momentum for Medtronic's Hugo RAS system. Surgeons are now using Hugo in more than 35 countries across six continents, including the United States where it received FDA clearance within the past year.

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

Medtronic plans to continue innovating the Hugo platform's capabilities. Planned developments include ongoing software upgrades, real-time AI across its digital ecosystem, integrated stapling, expanded instrumentation, and new clinical indications.

A broader surgical ecosystem

The Hugo system is a modular, multi-quadrant platform designed 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 provided an early look at its AI-powered compute platform for the operating room. The company stated its Touch Surgery Aide technology powers the broader Touch Surgery Ecosystem. This week, Medtronic also made an $80 million investment in Pi-Cardia for complex transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology.

Samuel Au, founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, expressed confidence in the partnership's impact. He said the company has been steadfast in its commitment to innovation, excellence, and clinical value since its founding.