Apparatus for controlling a steerable invasive probe (22) having a handle. The apparatus includes a platform (46) and a jig (44), which is mounted on the platform and is configured to receive the handle. The jig includes at least a first gear (70) that is positioned and shaped to rotate the handle about an axis of the probe and a second gear (72) that is positioned and shaped to operate a control on the handle for deflecting a tip of the probe. A drive module (48) includes one or more motors. A transmission (50) is coupled to the drive module and to the jig so as to controllably rotate at least the first and second gears and to translate the platform along a direction parallel to the axis in order to advance and retract the probe.
