Transection subsystems for robotic stapling and cutting systems

A transection subsystem for a surgical instrument comprising:

• a rotatable shaft having a lumen;
• a firing rod extending at least partially through the lumen;
• a firing rack coupled to a proximal end of the firing rod, the firing rod being rotationally independent of the firing rack;
• and
• a firing gear engaged with the firing rack,
• wherein rotation of the firing gear moves the firing rack and the firing rod axially.

A transection subsystem for a surgical instrument comprising:

• a firing rod;
• a firing rack coupled to a proximal end of the firing rod, the firing rod being rotationally independent of the firing rack;
• a firing gear engaged with the firing rack;
• a key receiver in mechanical communication with the firing gear;
• and
• a key configured to engage with the key receiver, wherein rotating the key when engaged with the key receiver causes the key receiver and the firing gear to rotate, thereby moving the firing rod axially.