A force transducer comprises a handle operably connected to a probe having
an elongate tip. The force transducer includes a biasing element arranged
with respect to the handle, in force transmitting communication with the
probe, and a detector operable to detect a degree of force applied
between the probe and the handle. The force transducer further includes
an actuator operable to exert a force on the biasing element in
dependence upon the degree of force detected by the detector so as to
cause a predetermined force to be transmitted from the handle to the
probe.