To provide an operation device which rotates a handle by a simple control common to a knob type handle and a lever type handle by using a hand common to them.

The handle rotating operation device includes: the hand 1 selectably holding the knob type handle or the lever type handle; a robot arm 2 of at least a third degree of freedom; a hand rotating mechanism 2d having two universal joints sandwiching a motor M2 for rotating the hand, wherein one universal joint U2 is urged to a neutral position by a spring, and has an electromagnetic brake, and the other universal joint U1 swings at a second degree of freedom by two motors M3, M4 for swinging; and a control means allowing the motors of the handle rotating mechanism except the motor for rotating the hand to be in a driven state to external force and rotating the handle by operating the motor for rotating the hand after holding the handle with the hand by operating the robot arm, the hand rotating mechanism, and the hand.

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