An electro-mechanical surgical device includes: a housing an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a distal end of the elongated shaft being detachably coupleable to a surgical instrument at least two axially rotatable drive shafts disposed within the elongated shaft, a distal end of each of the drive shafts being configured to couple with the surgical instrument a steering cable arrangement, the steering cable arrangement being configured to steer the distal end of the elongated shaft and a motor system disposed within the housing, the motor system being configured to drive the drive shafts and the steering cable arrangement. A control system may be provided for controlling the motor system. A remote control unit may also be provided for controlling the motor system via the control system. Sensors such as optical or Hall-effect devices, may be provided for determining the position of the elements of the surgical instrument based on the detached rotation of the drive shafts. A memory unit stores a plurality of operating programs or algorithms, each corresponding to a type of surgical instrument attachable to the electro-mechanical surgical device. The control system reads or selects from the plurality of operating programs or algorithms, the operating program or algorithm corresponding to the type of surgical instrument attached to the electro-mechanical surgical device.
