A teleoperator system with telepresence is shown which includes right and left hand controllers (72R and 72L) for control of right and left manipulators (24R and 24L) through use of a servomechanism that includes computer. The teleoperator system comprises a surgical system suited for endoscopic surgery. The surgical system includes a surgical instrument, a servomechanism and a controller. The surgical includes an insertion section and a control section. The insertion section comprises a forearm, a wrist and an end effector in the form of a surgical instrument head selected from the group consisting of retractors, electrosurgical cutters, electrosurgical coagulators, forceps, needle holders, scissors, blades and irrigators. The control section comprises a plurality of motors and linkages which operate to insert and retract the forearm, rotate the forearm, pivot the forearm, and pivot the wrist link about the wrist joint.