A system for tracking the position of a surgical tool manipulated by a surgical robotic system, to determine that the tool is correctly positioned and orientated. Miniature 3-D tracking cameras are mounted on the end effector of the robotic system, one viewing markers on the surgical tool, and the other markers attached to the anatomy part being operated on. The initial spatial position and orientation of the surgical tool on the surface of the anatomy part is measured, and the progress of the surgical tool into the anatomic body part is tracked using one of the miniature cameras. The cameras or sensors are close to the surgical region of interest, and all the mechanical and sensor elements necessary for the system operation are mounted within the realm of the robot. The system thus avoids interruption of communication between a remotely positioned navigation camera and the robot or patient.