A teleoperated surgical system includes a manipulator, an electric motor, and a power circuit. The motor is operatively connected to and configured to drive movement of at least a portion of the manipulator. The power circuit includes a plurality of wires and a switch. The wires connect a selectively activated power source to the motor. The switch is connected to the wires between the power source and the motor. On a first condition in which the power source changes from an activated state to a deactivated state, the switch short-circuits the motor to cause the unpowered motor to automatically dampen motion of the at least a portion of the manipulator. On a second condition in which the power source changes from the deactivated state to the activated state, the switch electrically connects the motor to the power source to supply operating power from the power source to the motor via the wires.

A teleoperated surgical system includes a manipulator, an electric motor, and a power circuit. The motor is operatively connected to and configured to drive movement of at least a portion of the manipulator. The power circuit includes a plurality of wires and a switch. The wires connect a selectively activated power source to the motor. The switch is connected to the wires between the power source and the motor. On a first condition in which the power source changes from an activated state to a deactivated state, the switch short-circuits the motor to cause the unpowered motor to automatically dampen motion of the at least a portion of the manipulator. On a second condition in which the power source changes from the deactivated state to the activated state, the switch electrically connects the motor to the power source to supply operating power from the power source to the motor via the wires.