A system and method of assisting operator engagement with input devices includes an input device, a hand detection system, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to detect the hand of the operator using the hand detection system; in response to a trigger condition, command the input device to move from a first to a second position; and in response to a signal indicating an input provided by the operator to the input device, command a motion of an end effector associated with the input device. The second position is closer to a grasping position for the hand than the first position. In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, in response to the trigger condition, command the input device to move from a first to a second orientation. The second orientation is closer to a grasping orientation for the hand than the first orientation.