The agreement adds Cornerstone’s Sentire system to Medtronic’s international offerings alongside its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery platform.
Medtronic announced an approximately $700 million strategic partnership with Cornerstone Robotics to expand global access to robotic-assisted surgery.
Under the agreement, Medtronic secured distribution rights for Cornerstone Robotics’ Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the US where the system has secured regulatory clearance. Medtronic plans to distribute the Sentire system alongside its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system, pairing the technologies with its connected surgical ecosystem to provide hospitals and surgeons with options across different clinical settings, procedural needs, and financial models.
According to Medtronic, worldwide adoption of robotic-assisted surgery remains in the single digits, leaving substantial opportunity to broaden access to advanced surgical care.
“Our strategy is focused on driving the next generation of minimally invasive surgery, one of our biggest growth opportunities,” says Matt Anderson, SVP and president of surgical at Medtronic, in a release. “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.”
Capabilities and Approvals for the Sentire System
Developed by Cornerstone Robotics, the Sentire system incorporates an architecture and console configuration that includes dual-console capability to accommodate diverse surgeon preferences, the company noted.
Cornerstone Robotics completed multi-specialty clinical trials for the platform before receiving CE Mark approval in May 2026 for minimally invasive general, gynecologic, thoracic, and urologic procedures. In addition to its European clearance, the Sentire platform holds market approval in China and Singapore, according to the announcement.
“Since the founding of Cornerstone Robotics, we have been steadfast in our commitment to innovation, excellence and clinical value,” says Samuel Au, founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, in a release. “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.”
Expansion of the Hugo Surgical Platform
Medtronic reported that the agreement builds on the adoption of its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery platform, which is operating in more than 35 countries across six continents. The platform received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration within the past year, the company stated.
According to Medtronic, procedural growth for the Hugo system is tracking at more than double the general growth rate of the robotic surgery market. Medtronic projects that total completed procedures will exceed 50,000 globally by the conclusion of its fiscal year.
The company stated it will continue expanding the Hugo platform’s features, with plans for ongoing software updates, real-time artificial intelligence tools, integrated surgical stapling, expanded instrumentation, and additional clinical indications. Designed for soft-tissue procedures, the modular system features wristed instruments, three-dimensional visualization, and integration with the Touch Surgery digital ecosystem alongside robotics program service, education, and technical support.
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