A robotic surgical system including a control system that controls the movement of a robotic arm is described. The robotic arm can be coupled to a tool assembly that includes an end effector positioned at a distal end of a shaft. The tool assembly can include one or more sensors that measure a variety of forces or velocities associated with either the robotic arm or end effector. The control system can collect and monitor such sensed forces and velocities to determine and control one or more appropriate movement parameters associated with the robotic arm thereby controlling the cutting of tissue and preventing unwanted cutting of tissue. Furthermore, movement parameters associated with more than one robotic arm can be controlled by the control system.