Cornerstone Robotics

Cornerstone Robotics (CSR) is a developer of robotic systems for minimally invasive surgical procedures, aiming to increase the accessibility of advanced healthcare. The company was founded in September 2019 by Professor Samuel Au, Dr. Alexis Cheng, and Dr. Zerui (Jerry) Wang. Professor Au, the CEO, brings extensive experience from the medical robotics industry, including being a founding team member of the da Vinci Single-Site and ION surgical platforms. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the company has established a strategic presence in the Greater Bay Area, leveraging Hong Kong's medical resources and Shenzhen's industrial capabilities.

The company's business model is centered on in-house research and development combined with a vertically integrated supply chain, which enables the production of high-performance systems at competitive prices. Cornerstone serves healthcare providers by partnering with medical centers and hospitals. Its target market is global, with initial focuses on mainland China, Hong Kong, and subsequent expansion into Europe and Southeast Asia. The firm has raised significant capital to fuel its growth, including a Series C funding round of over $70 million in early 2025, bringing its total funding to over $200 million. Notable investors include EQT, Qiming Venture Partners, Alpha JWC Ventures, and the Hong Kong government's Innovation and Technology Venture Fund.

The flagship product is the Sentire® Endoscopic Surgical System, a multi-port laparoscopic surgery robot designed for various specialties including urology, gynecology, general surgery, and thoracic surgery. Developed entirely in-house, the Sentire system features multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, a user-friendly interface, and the independently developed Cspeed Vision 3D imaging system, which provides high-definition visual feedback. The system is designed to enhance surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and improve overall procedural efficiency. A significant milestone was achieved in September 2024, when Sentire obtained approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The company has also initiated clinical trials in the U.K. to prepare for commercial activities in Europe.

Keywords: surgical robotics, medical devices, minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic surgical system, laparoscopic surgery robot, healthcare technology, Sentire Surgical System, medtech, robot-assisted surgery, surgical automation, medical innovation, Greater Bay Area, clinical trials, NMPA approval, surgical instruments, 3D surgical imaging, urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, venture capital, EQT, Qiming Venture Partners, Samuel Au