Patent ID: 8100133

Claim:
A robotic method comprising: moving a first end effector of a first manipulator assembly in response to a first robotic command, the first manipulator assembly having a first indicator; moving a second end effector of a second manipulator assembly in response to a second robotic command, the second manipulator assembly having a second indicator; transmitting a command from a processor to, selectably, the first indicator or the second indicator; and outputting a first identifiable signal from the selected indicator to a person near the first and second manipulator assemblies; wherein each manipulator assembly comprises: a manipulator movably supporting a tool holder; and a tool releasably mountable to the tool holder and having the end effector; and wherein the first identifiable signal indicates: a state of the tool of the selected manipulator assembly, a state of the manipulator assemblies, a state of a robotic system, the robotic system including the manipulator assemblies, an input device, and the processor, or an identity of at least one component of the selected manipulator assembly.