A teleoperated surgical system includes a component such as a master control or a multi-jointed mechanical system that is configured for manual manipulation and a detection module configured to analyze movement of the component and detect uncontrolled movement of the component. Uncontrolled movement may be identified by detecting movement only on joints that gravity can move, but no movement on joints that are not subject to movement caused by gravity. In response to detection of uncontrolled movement of the component, the detection module can cause the system to switch to a safe mode of operation.
