Galway-based Medtronic has announced a strategic partnership with Cornerstone Robotics. The circa $700 million investment includes rights to distribute Cornerstone Sentire surgical system in selected markets outside the US.
Medtronic will distribute Sentire alongside its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system. Together with Medtronic’s connected surgical ecosystem, the two platforms will expand access to robotic-assisted surgery and offer surgeons and health systems more choice and flexible solutions designed to meet diverse needs.
Through the partnership, Medtronic and Cornerstone Robotics are building a multi-port portfolio anchored by the Hugo RAS system and expanded by Sentire to provide flexibility across clinical settings, procedural needs, and economic models.
“Our strategy is focused on driving the next generation of minimally invasive surgery, one of our biggest growth opportunities,” said Matt Anderson, Senior Vice President and President, Surgical, Medtronic.
“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.”
Hugo is now being used in more than 35 countries across six continents. It received FDA clearance in the US within the last year. Procedure growth for the Hugo RAS system is currently more than two times the growth rate of the robotic surgery market, and total procedures are expected to exceed 50,000 globally by the end of Medtronic’s fiscal year.
Medtronic says it will continue to innovate the capabilities of the Hugo RAS system, including ongoing software upgrades, real-time artificial intelligence across its digital ecosystem, integrated stapling, expanded instrumentation, and clinical indications.
The modular, multi-quadrant platform is designed for a broad range of soft-tissue surgical procedures and combines wristed instruments, 3D visualization, and Touch Surgery ecosystem with dedicated support for robotics program optimization, service, and training.
The Sentire system was developed entirely in-house by Cornerstone Robotics and has completed multi-specialty clinical trials and received the CE Mark in May 2026 for use in minimally invasive general, gynaecological, thoracic, and urological surgical procedures.
“Since the founding of Cornerstone Robotics, we have been steadfast in our commitment to innovation, excellence and clinical value,” said Samuel Au, founder and CEO, Cornerstone Robotics.
“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.”
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