Stryker secures exclusive US sales rights for Versius robot

Stryker will act as the exclusive U.S. sales agent for CMR Surgical’s Versius portfolio and holds an exclusive option to acquire the company in the future. The medical technology giant invested approximately $400 million through preferred equity to secure these exclusive U.S. commercial rights. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Andrew Williamson, managing partner at Cambridge Innovation Capital, confirmed the deal includes the sales agreement and the acquisition option.

This alliance marks Stryker’s formal entry into the high-growth soft-tissue robotics market. The company evaluated the segment for several years. Stryker views this as a disciplined way to combine its commercial scale with CMR Surgical’s technological innovation.

Versius platform positioned for broad soft-tissue adoption

The Versius system is a modular, second-generation robotic platform designed for use across multiple soft-tissue procedures in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Its architecture is intended to provide flexibility across procedures, surgeon access, and sites of care. The platform supports a range of specialties.

The system is designed for real-world operating environments. It aims to preserve operational flexibility and support long-term program economics for health systems seeking to expand robotic-assisted surgery.

Global traction and regulatory progress for Versius

Versius has been used in over 45,000 surgical procedures across more than 30 countries. The original product launched in 2019. CMR Surgical’s next-generation robot, the Versius Plus, launched in December 2025 and has already earned FDA 510(k) clearance for cholecystectomy. The company has also filed a 510(k) submission for benign gynecological indications.

This global clinical experience provided a foundation for the strategic partnership. The alliance is intended to accelerate adoption of robotic-assisted surgery as healthcare providers seek scalable solutions fitting existing operating room workflows.

Strategic rationale and leadership commentary

Leaders from both companies highlighted the complementary strengths of the deal. Andy Pierce, Group President of Medsurg and Neurotechnology at Stryker, will join CMR Surgical’s board of directors. He stated that soft-tissue robotics is a high-growth adjacency and a natural extension of Stryker’s strengths in endoscopy, visualization, and enabling technologies.

For CMR Surgical, the investment provides capital to support continued innovation and global commercialization. The company, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, England, will continue to lead portfolio development and commercialization in markets outside the United States. CEO Massimiliano Colella called the alliance a significant milestone and a strong endorsement. CMR Surgical gains access to Stryker’s extensive U.S. commercial infrastructure and customer relationships.

Andrew Williamson noted that Stryker carried out a thorough global assessment before selecting CMR as its partner. Cambridge Innovation Capital is the first institutional investor and largest UK investor in CMR Surgical. The company was last officially valued at $3 billion during a $600 million Series D funding round in 2021.

Closing conditions and next steps

The immediate focus is on accelerating the growth of the Versius surgical robotic portfolio in the U.S. market. CMR Surgical will continue its operations outside America. The partnership combines Stryker’s scale and customer relationships with CMR Surgical’s platform and robotics expertise. Both companies are now focused on accelerating Versius adoption as healthcare providers seek scalable solutions fitting existing operating room workflows.