Force feedback control system for video endoscope

An endoscopic system, comprising:

• a housing including one or more actuators that selectively move the distal tip of an endoscope in at least one desired direction;
• an endoscope having a distal end that is inserted into the body of a patient and a proximal end that is removably coupled to the housing;
• a directional controller for directing the one or more actuators in the housing to move the distal tip of the endoscope in the desired direction;
• means for determining a force required to move the distal tip of the endoscope;
• and
• a feedback mechanism coupled to the directional controller for providing feedback to a user of the force required to move the distal tip of the endoscope.