A surgical system and surgical instruments for a telerobitic system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument has an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an inner lumen, and at least one axially extending slot. An end effector is disposed adjacent the distal portion of the elongate shaft and an actuator assembly, comprising a linkage, is disposed within the inner lumen. A movable actuator pin extends laterally from the linkage and through the axially extending slot to releasably couple the actuator assembly to a driver of a robotic surgical instrument holder. The system disclosed may enable the rapid engagement and disengagement of surgical instruments from an instrument holder during surgical procedures.
