A medical system includes a control system and an instrument manipulator. The instrument manipulator is configured to receive an instrument and includes a first drive output and a first actuating element configured to drive movement of the first drive output. The first drive output is configured to drive a first input coupling of the instrument. The control system is configured to receive an indication that the first input coupling of the instrument is positioned adjacent to the first drive output of the manipulator, in response to receiving the indication, command the first actuating element to cause movement of the first drive output, receive a feedback associated with a force experienced by the first actuating element during the movement of the first drive output, determine an instruction signal for the first actuating element based on the feedback, and transmit the instruction signal to the first actuating element.