Wireless communication in a robotic surgical system

A telesurgical manipulator system, comprising:

• an instrument holder, including a communication device;
• an electrically-isolating and sterile barrier;
• and
• a surgical instrument that wirelessly communicates with the communication device such that operational commands are received from the communication device,
• wherein the surgical instrument is releasably mountable to the instrument holder,
• wherein the surgical instrument includes an instrument data transmitter for communication with the communication device with the electrically-isolating and sterile barrier disposed therebetween, and
• wherein the communication device is further configured for providing power to the surgical instrument with the electrically-isolating and sterile barrier disposed therebetween.

A telesurgical manipulator system, comprising:

• an instrument holder coupled to a manipulator arm, the instrument holder including a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver, the first wireless transceiver being configured to communicate wirelessly with a third wireless transceiver disposed in the manipulator arm;
• an electrically-isolating and sterile drape;
• and
• a surgical instrument having a fourth wireless transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with the second wireless transceiver,
• wherein the surgical instrument is releasably mountable to the instrument holder, and
• wherein the instrument holder is configured to provide power wirelessly to the surgical instrument mounted to the instrument holder with the electrically-isolating and sterile drape disposed therebetween.