Tool attachment, tool changer and corresponding method of use

A tool attachment for a robotic manipulator, comprising:

• a housing configured to engage with the robotic manipulator;
• an input shaft configured to be engaged by an end effector of the robotic manipulator;
• an output shaft coupled to the input shaft;
• and
• a tool coupled to said output shaft, wherein:
• said housing comprises means for preventing relative rotational movement between said housing and a housing of the robotic manipulator;
• upon engagement of the end effector of the robotic manipulator with the input shaft, the tool attachment is retained on the robotic manipulator, and rotational movement of the end effector of the robotic manipulator acts to rotate said input shaft relative to said housing and drive said tool;
• wherein said housing of the tool attachment comprises a hollow sleeve portion having a first, open, end and a second, closed, end, said tool disposed at said second end, said input shaft being within an interior space of said hollow sleeve portion;
• and
• wherein said hollow sleeve portion is shaped to form a guide portion at said first, open, end, the guide portion being configured to radially align, relative to a longitudinal axis of said housing of the tool attachment, and guide the robotic manipulator into the interior space of said hollow sleeve portion of said housing of the tool attachment.