Sentire Endoscopic Surgical Robot
Developed entirely in-house by Cornerstone Robotics, the Sentire endoscopic surgical system secured NMPA Class III approval in September 2024 as the company’s first-generation platform. The system supports multi-specialty applications spanning urology, gynecology, general surgery, and thoracic procedures.
Product Overview
Sentire represents Cornerstone Robotics’ commercial entry into the surgical robotics market after five years of development. The system integrates proprietary technologies across mechanical architecture, electrical systems, software algorithms, and visual imaging—all developed by the company’s international engineering team.
The platform targets accessibility as a core design principle, aiming to deliver performance comparable to established international systems while leveraging domestic manufacturing for cost optimization. Clinical trial data from over 250 procedures informed the regulatory submission that resulted in NMPA approval.
Key Features
Sentire’s built-in cold light source and anti-fog imaging work together to maintain clear visualization across six specialty areas without relying on external equipment.
- Integrated Cold Light Source: Built-in illumination system eliminates external light source dependencies
- Anti-fog Imaging: Advanced automation algorithms maintain clear visualization throughout procedures
- Real-time Feedback Control: Control algorithms provide surgeons with responsive instrument manipulation
- Ergonomic Console Design: Minimized resistance and optimized ergonomics reduce surgeon fatigue during extended procedures
- Durable Instrument Design: Instruments engineered for longevity and flexibility across multiple procedure types
Technical Specifications
Approved by NMPA in September 2024, Sentire covers six surgical specialties from a fully in-house-developed three-component system validated in over 250 clinical trial procedures.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| System Components | Surgeon console, patient cart, vision cart |
| Surgical Specialties | 6 (Urology, Gynecology, General Surgery, Thoracic, HPB, GI) |
| Development Approach | Fully in-house R&D |
| Manufacturing Location | Greater Bay Area, China |
| Clinical Validation | 250+ procedures during trials |
Clinical Applications
The Sentire system received NMPA approval covering six surgical specialty areas:
Urology: Prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and other urological procedures requiring precise dissection in confined anatomical spaces.
Gynecology: Hysterectomy, myomectomy, and pelvic procedures where enhanced visualization and instrument articulation improve surgical access.
General Surgery: Cholecystectomy, hernia repair, and colorectal procedures benefiting from minimally invasive approaches.
Thoracic Surgery: Lung resection and mediastinal procedures where robotic assistance enhances access to difficult-to-reach thoracic structures.
Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Surgery: Complex liver, bile duct, and pancreatic procedures requiring high precision.
Gastrointestinal Surgery: Gastric and intestinal procedures including resections and anastomoses.
Clinical testing conducted at institutions including Prince of Wales Hospital and CUHK-Shenzhen Medicine demonstrated performance metrics in intraoperative bleeding control, operational efficiency, and system setup time that the company reports as comparable to international benchmark systems.
Regulatory Status
| Region | Status | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (NMPA) | Approved | 2024-09-29 | Class III medical device |
| European Union (CE) | In Progress | - | UK clinical trials ongoing |
| United States (FDA) | Not Applied | - | - |
The NMPA approval followed multi-center registration clinical trials conducted across mainland China and Hong Kong. European regulatory preparation is supported by clinical trials at the company’s UK site established in 2024.
Competitive Positioning
Cornerstone Robotics positions Sentire against established platforms including the da Vinci system from Intuitive Surgical. The company emphasizes several differentiating factors:
- Cost Structure: Domestic component sourcing and vertical supply chain integration enable more competitive pricing
- Technical Heritage: Founder’s experience developing da Vinci Single-Site and ION systems at Intuitive Surgical informed Sentire’s design
- Local Manufacturing: Greater Bay Area production facility provides supply chain resilience
- Multi-specialty Coverage: Single platform addressing six surgical specialty areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Sentire surgical robot system?
Cornerstone Robotics has not publicly disclosed specific pricing for the Sentire system. The company emphasizes competitive pricing enabled by domestic manufacturing and vertical supply chain integration as core strategic advantages versus imported systems.
Which hospitals in China use the Sentire system?
Following NMPA approval in September 2024, commercialization is in early stages. Clinical development partnerships included Prince of Wales Hospital, CUHK Medical School facilities, and multiple centers across mainland China and Hong Kong.
How does Sentire compare to the da Vinci surgical system?
Clinical testing data indicates Sentire achieves comparable performance to international benchmark systems in key metrics including intraoperative bleeding control, surgeon operational efficiency, and system setup time. The company’s founder previously contributed to da Vinci platform development at Intuitive Surgical.
Is Sentire approved for use outside China?
As of January 2025, Sentire holds NMPA approval in China only. European clinical trials are ongoing at the company’s UK site, and CE Mark certification is in progress. The company has not announced FDA clearance plans.
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Sources
Publicly available references used for the data on this page. See data methodology for verification standards.