Cornerstone Robotics

Cornerstone Robotics (CSR) emerged from Hong Kong’s academic research ecosystem to become a significant player in China’s surgical robotics market. Founded in September 2019 by Professor Samuel Au, the company secured NMPA approval for its Sentire endoscopic surgical system in September 2024, marking a critical milestone in its commercialization journey.

Company Overview

The company traces its origins to the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where founder Samuel Au built expertise in surgical robotics over nearly three decades. Prior to establishing Cornerstone Robotics, Professor Au spent approximately ten years at Intuitive Surgical, where he contributed to the development of the da Vinci Single-Site system and the ION bronchoscopy platform.

Cornerstone Robotics operates three R&D centers globally, with facilities in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, London, and Portsmouth (UK). The company has established manufacturing capabilities in the Greater Bay Area, operating a production facility exceeding 10,000 square meters that supports vertical integration of its supply chain.

The founding team assembled expertise from institutions including MIT, Johns Hopkins University, and Imperial College London. This international background shapes the company’s dual focus on the Chinese domestic market and global expansion.

Core Products

Sentire Endoscopic Surgical System

The Sentire system represents Cornerstone Robotics’ first-generation endoscopic surgical robot. Developed entirely in-house, the platform integrates mechanical architecture, electrical systems, software algorithms, and visual imaging technologies. The system received NMPA Class III medical device approval on September 29, 2024.

Clinical applications span multiple surgical specialties including urology, gynecology, general surgery, thoracic surgery, hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, and gastrointestinal procedures. The company reports completion of over 250 clinical cases during its development and registration trials.

Key technical features include advanced control algorithms with real-time feedback, anti-fog imaging capabilities, and instrument designs optimized for durability across multiple procedure types.

Technology & Innovation

Cornerstone Robotics emphasizes domestic component sourcing and vertical supply chain integration as core strategic advantages. The company claims to have resolved multiple technology bottlenecks in surgical robotics, achieving self-sufficiency in mechanical architecture, electrical systems, software platforms, complex algorithms, and visual imaging.

The technology platform supports soft tissue surgical applications with plans for multi-product line expansion. Clinical testing data indicates performance metrics comparable to international benchmark systems in areas including intraoperative bleeding control, surgeon operational efficiency, and system setup time.

Market Presence

The company has established clinical partnerships with leading medical centers across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Europe. Key institutional collaborators include the Faculty of Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, CUHK-Shenzhen Medicine, and Prince of Wales Hospital.

In March 2024, Cornerstone Robotics launched its Global Robotic Surgeon Training Program in partnership with CUHK Medical School, aiming to accelerate adoption by training surgeons in robot-assisted surgical techniques.

International expansion targets Europe and Southeast Asia as priority markets. The company’s UK site, established in 2024, supports European clinical trials and regulatory preparation. Strategic partnerships with Singapore’s National Health Insurance Group and Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine position the company for Southeast Asian market entry.

Funding History

Cornerstone Robotics has completed six funding rounds totaling over RMB 1.8 billion (approximately $250 million). The investor roster includes prominent venture capital firms with multi-round participation:

• Series C (January 2025): Over $70 million led by EQT, with participation from Qiming Venture Partners, Alpha JWC Ventures, Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Venture Fund, eGarden Ventures, CTS Funds, K2VC, and Meituan Long-Z Capital
• Series B: Over $75 million, bringing cumulative funding to approximately $120 million
• Angel Round (2019): Co-led by Gaorong Capital

Qiming Venture Partners and K2VC have participated in four consecutive rounds since Series A. Meituan Long-Z Capital and CTS Funds have invested in three rounds. The Series C round notably brought in EQT, Europe’s largest private equity firm by AUM, and Alpha JWC Ventures, a Southeast Asia-focused investor.

Key Milestones

• 2019: Company founded; completed proof-of-concept
• 2020: Laboratory assessments on cadaver and animal models in Hong Kong
• 2021: Prototype testing in porcine models; Series B completion ($75M+)
• 2022: Technology demonstration for China’s national leaders during Hong Kong handover anniversary
• 2024: NMPA approval for Sentire system (September 29); UK site established
• 2025: Series C completion ($70M+); clinical trials ongoing in UK

Frequently Asked Questions

What surgical procedures can the Sentire system perform?

The Sentire endoscopic surgical system is approved for procedures in urology, gynecology, general surgery, thoracic surgery, hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, and gastrointestinal surgery. Clinical trials have demonstrated applications across these multiple specialties.

Is Cornerstone Robotics a publicly traded company?

No, Cornerstone Robotics remains privately held as of January 2025. The company has raised over RMB 1.8 billion through six private funding rounds, with investors including EQT, Qiming Venture Partners, and the Hong Kong government’s Innovation and Technology Venture Fund.

How does Cornerstone Robotics compare to Intuitive Surgical?

Cornerstone Robotics positions Sentire as offering comparable performance to international benchmark systems at more competitive pricing. The company’s founder, Professor Samuel Au, previously worked at Intuitive Surgical for nearly a decade, contributing to the development of da Vinci Single-Site and ION platforms before founding CSR.