Manual robotic tool changer with rotating piston

A manually actuated robotic tool changer includes a first housing having a generally cylindrical piston with a central axis partially extending from the first housing, the piston rotatable about the axis. A plurality of tabs are disposed about the circumference of a portion of the piston extending from the first housing. A second housing has a bore to receive a portion of the piston. A plurality of locking lugs are disposed about the bore. The tool changer is manually actuated from an unlocked position wherein the piston assumes a position with respect to the first housing such that the extending portion of the piston may be moved within the bore with the tabs moving between the locking lugs, to a locked position wherein the piston is rotated with respect to the first housing such that the tabs move beneath the locking lugs to lock the first and second housings together.