Medtronic has entered into a strategic partnership with Cornerstone Robotics involving an approximately $700 million investment, expanding its robotic-assisted surgery portfolio and securing rights to distribute Cornerstone’s Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the United States.
Medtronic plans to distribute Sentire alongside its existing Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system, creating a two-platform offering designed to give surgeons and health systems greater flexibility across clinical environments, procedural requirements and economic models.
The partnership targets a substantial global growth opportunity.
Medtronic said adoption of robotic-assisted surgery remains in the single digits globally, leaving significant room for increased use across healthcare systems.
The company is positioning Hugo and Sentire as complementary multi-port systems within its broader connected surgical ecosystem.
Hugo is now used in more than 35 countries across six continents, including the United States, where it received FDA clearance within the past year.
Procedure growth for Hugo is currently running at more than twice the growth rate of the overall robotic surgery market, and cumulative procedures are expected to exceed 50,000 globally by the end of Medtronic’s fiscal year.
Medtronic also plans continued Hugo upgrades spanning software, real-time AI, integrated stapling, expanded instrumentation and additional clinical indications.
Cornerstone’s Sentire platform has an immersive console and dual-console capability and was developed entirely in-house.
Sentire received CE Mark in May 2026 for minimally invasive general, gynecologic, thoracic and urologic procedures and also has market approvals in China and Singapore.
Morgan Stanley is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Medtronic, while Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is lead legal counsel.
Kirkland & Ellis and Global Law Office are serving as legal counsel to Cornerstone Robotics.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our strategy is focused on driving the next generation of minimally invasive surgery, one of our biggest growth opportunities. 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.”
Matt Anderson, Senior Vice President and President, Surgical at Medtronic
“Since the founding of Cornerstone Robotics, we have been steadfast in our commitment to innovation, excellence and clinical value. 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.”
Samuel Au, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics
