The present invention provides systems and methods for performing robotics assisted surgical procedures on a patient. In particular, a three component surgical system (2) is provided that includes a non-sterile drive and control component (40), a sterilized end effector or surgical tool (20), and an intermediate connector component (24) that includes mechanical elements for coupling the surgical tool (20) with the drive and control component (40), and for transferring motion and electrical signals therebetween. The drive and control component (40) is shielded from the sterile surgical site, the surgical tool (20) is sterilized and disposable and the intermediate connector (24) is sterilized and reusable. In this manner, the intermediate connector (24) can be sterilized after a surgical procedure without damaging the motors (170) or electrical connections within the drive and control component (40) of the robotics system.
