A local haptic hand controller !s provided for enabling an operator to remotely perform fine manipulation, such as microsurgery, in conjunction with a remotely located robotic manipulator, for example at which the microsurgery is to be performed. The local haptic hand controller includes a base, a kinematic structure in communication with the base and comprises a gimbal as an end effector. A local surgical tool is provided at the gimbal and has a shape and construction substantially similar to a remote surgical tool provided at the remote robotic manipulator. A control system is in communication with the local surgical tool and with the remote surgical tool, and configured to enable operation of the local haptic hand controller when a local surgical tool identifier matches a remote surgical tool identifier.
