Abstract: Manipulator systems and methods are provided in which there is at least one slave manipulator assembly and at least one controller assembly in communication with the slave manipulator assembly. The controller assembly is configured to remotely operate the slave manipulator assembly, and the slave manipulator assembly provides feedback information to the controller assembly. The feedback information may include a measure of an amount of resistance or movement on the slave manipulator assembly. The systems and methods may be configured to automatically switch between at least two modes of operation when an amount of resistance or movement on the slave manipulator assembly fluctuates above and below a threshold amount of resistance or movement on the slave manipulator assembly.

Abstract: Manipulator systems and methods comprise at least one slave manipulator assembly and at least one controller assembly in communication with the slave manipulator assembly. The controller assembly is configured to remotely operate the slave manipulator assembly, and the slave manipulator assembly provides feedback information to the controller assembly. The feedback information may include a measure of an amount of resistance or movement on the slave manipulator assembly. The systems and methods may be configured to automatically switch between at least two modes of operation when an amount of resistance or movement on the slave manipulator assembly fluctuates above and below a threshold amount of resistance or movement on the slave manipulator assembly.

Abstract: Manipulator systems and methods comprise at least one slave manipulator assembly, at least one controller assembly in communication with the slave manipulator assembly, and a controller computer in communication with the controller assembly. The controller assembly is configured to remotely operate a physical or virtual slave manipulator assembly, and the slave manipulator assembly provides feedback information to the controller assembly. The feedback information may include a measure of an amount of resistance or movement on the slave manipulator assembly. The controller computer may include a flip-flop circuit configured to automatically switch between at least two modes of operation comprised of: spatially correspondent mode and a type of control mode.