Medtronic, a global healthcare technology leader, has entered a strategic partnership with Cornerstone Robotics, an innovative surgical robotics company focused on minimally invasive care. The agreement includes an investment of approximately $700 million and grants Medtronic distribution rights for Cornerstone Robotics' Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the United States. The partnership aims to expand global access to robotic-assisted surgery by pairing Sentire with Medtronic's Hugo platform.
Strategic Partnership and Investment
The collaboration positions Sentire as a complementary platform to Medtronic's Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system within its connected surgical ecosystem. The two systems are intended to provide surgeons and health systems with greater choice and flexible solutions for different clinical and operational requirements. Medtronic expects the combined portfolio to reach more patients worldwide and address a wider range of procedural needs.
Responding to Global Demand
Robotic-assisted surgery adoption remains in the single digits globally, creating significant opportunity for expanded patient access. Through this partnership, Medtronic and Cornerstone Robotics are building a multi-port portfolio anchored by the Hugo system and expanded by Sentire. The approach is designed to support diverse clinical settings, procedural preferences, and economic models across international markets.
Building on Hugo's Momentum
The Hugo RAS system is now used in more than 35 countries across six continents, including the United States following FDA clearance within the last year. Medtronic reported that procedure growth for Hugo is currently more than two times the growth rate of the overall robotic surgery market. Total procedures are expected to exceed 50,000 globally by the end of Medtronic's fiscal year.
Continued Hugo Innovation
Medtronic will keep advancing the Hugo platform through software upgrades, real-time artificial intelligence across its digital ecosystem, integrated stapling, expanded instrumentation, and new clinical indications. The modular, multi-quadrant system supports a broad range of soft-tissue procedures and includes wristed instruments and 3D visualization. It is also supported by the Touch Surgery ecosystem, dedicated robotics program optimization, service, and training resources.
Expanding Access Through Sentire
The Sentire system offers an immersive console with dual-console capability and a familiar configuration that suits varying surgeon preferences and clinical needs. Developed entirely in-house by Cornerstone Robotics, Sentire has completed multi-specialty clinical trials and received CE Mark in May 2026. The approval covers minimally invasive general, gynecologic, thoracic, and urologic surgical procedures, adding to existing market approvals in China and Singapore.
Leadership Perspectives
Medtronic Surgical senior vice president and president Matt Anderson said the company's strategy focuses on driving the next generation of minimally invasive surgery as a major growth opportunity. He noted that surgeons, health systems, and markets have different needs and preferences, which supports investment across robotic platforms and digital tools. Anderson added that Sentire complements Hugo and gives customers more choice and flexible solutions.
Partner Commitment
Cornerstone Robotics founder and chief executive officer Samuel Au said the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to innovation, excellence, and clinical value since its founding. He expressed confidence that physicians and patients will be the greatest beneficiaries of the partnership as access expands across the dynamic surgical robotics market. Medtronic said the collaboration strengthens its connected surgical ecosystem and supports its commitment to improving patient lives.
By combining the Hugo and Sentire platforms, Medtronic is positioning itself as a distinctive provider of robotic-assisted surgical options within a connected ecosystem. The agreement reflects a broader effort to address the low global adoption rate of robotic-assisted surgery and to deliver more flexible economic and clinical models. As the partnership moves forward, it is expected to support surgeons, health systems, and patients through expanded access to minimally invasive care.