Chronology

Published Aug 23, 2026

Updated Oct 21, 2026

Medtronic invests $700 million in Cornerstone Robotics, gaining rights to distribute its Sentire™ surgical system in selected markets outside the US. Sep 1, 2026.

CE mark (MDR). May 25, 2026.

NPMA approval. Sept 2024.

First human clinical trials (Hong Kong), in urology and general surgery.. Aug 2022.

Successfully tested in a porcine model (Shenzhen). Jun 2021.

Proof-of-concept prototype completed. Aug 2020.

Cornerstone Robotics founded (Hong Kong) by a team led by Prof. Samuel Au Kwok-wai of CUHK. Sep 2019.

Overview

The Sentire® Surgical System (C1000) is a multi-port robotic surgical platform developed by Cornerstone Robotics (CSR), a Hong Kong-based surgical robotics company. At first sight, Sentire is one of those robotic systems that immediately makes experienced da Vinci users stop and look twice. Its overall architecture strongly recalls the Intuitive Surgical da Vinci X, particularly the characteristic configuration of this fourth-generation patient-side cart.

Whether one considers Sentire simply a very heavily inspired design or, more bluntly, a Chinese da Vinci X clone, however, is ultimately less important than the technology underneath the external architecture. The relevant question is how closely its kinematics, instruments, imaging, ergonomics, software and clinical performance reproduce the capabilities of the established Intuitive platform.

Sentire is nevertheless not merely a prototype. The system has already accumulated clinical experience in Hong Kong and mainland China and obtained Chinese regulatory approval in 2024. In May 2026, Cornerstone announced CE marking under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR), giving the platform formal access to European markets.

The system

The Sentire C1000 consists of three principal components: patient-side robot (PSR) with four robotic arms, surgeon console and vision cart.

The patient-side system accommodates an endoscope and up to three robotic instruments. The system uses a high-resolution stereoscopic 3D endoscopic image viewed at the surgeon’s console. The vision cart provides an additional display for the bedside assistant and incorporates the light source and energy platform. The system uses dedicated robotic instruments including graspers, needle drivers, scissors and clip appliers, with monopolar and bipolar energy capabilities.

Cornerstone describes the platform as an internally developed system, with its core components, software and instruments developed in-house. The system can also be configured for dual-console operation.

Clinical development and regulatory status

The clinical development of Sentire began in Hong Kong, where the system was evaluated in prospective clinical studies before its introduction into mainland China. A prospective study of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the C1000 was conducted at Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong. Twenty patients were enrolled between August 2022 and September 2023. The study was conducted within an IDEAL Stage 1 innovation framework and formed part of a broader multispecialty clinical development programme. The system subsequently obtained NMPA approval in China in September 2024, with approved indications initially including urological and general surgery procedures.

Cornerstone has also pursued international clinical development, including a UK clinical evaluation, as part of its strategy for European expansion.

On May 25, 2026 it got CE the mark (MDR). On Sept 1, 2026 Medtronic has just announced a $700 million investment in Cornerstone Robotics, gaining rights to distribute its Sentire™ surgical system in selected markets outside the US.

J Granell
Robotic Surgeon

Prior to commencing my venture into robotic surgery, I had established a firm grounding as an oncologic surgeon. My experience encompassed a wide range of resection and reconstructive procedures, as well as proficiency in minimally invasive surgical techniques and endoscopic surgery. These acquired skills and expertise serve as fundamental pillars for achieving success in robotic surgery.

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