Jaco

Overview

The Kinova Jaco is a 6-axis assistive robotic arm purpose-built for wheelchair mounting and assistive technology applications. Weighing just 5 kg, the Jaco is designed to extend the reach and manipulation capability of users with upper limb disabilities or limited motor function, enabling tasks such as retrieving objects, opening doors, and operating devices that would otherwise require carer assistance. Kinova, a Canadian company with a strong presence in assistive robotics, has established the Jaco as a widely deployed assistive arm in clinical, research, and home settings globally.

Key Specifications

• Axes: 6
• Weight: 5 kg
• Mounting: Wheelchair-compatible interface
• End effector: 3-finger adaptive gripper (included)
• Control: Joystick, sip-and-puff, and software interfaces

The Jaco's lightweight construction and low base footprint are specifically engineered for wheelchair mounting without compromising the chair's stability or manoeuvrability. The included 3-finger adaptive gripper handles a wide range of object geometries, from cylindrical bottles to flat cards.

Use Cases

In the UK, the Jaco is used in both clinical rehabilitation settings and private home environments for users with conditions including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and ALS. NHS wheelchair services and occupational therapists assess Jaco deployments as part of complex rehabilitation equipment packages. Funding pathways in the UK include NHS Continuing Healthcare, wheelchair services budgets, and Access to Work grants for users in employment.

Research institutions also deploy the Jaco extensively in assistive technology research, human-robot interaction studies, and manipulation learning experiments, owing to its ROS compatibility and open SDK.

Buying Used

A secondary market exists for Jaco units, primarily through assistive technology equipment dealers and online disability equipment platforms. Kinova provides refurbishment and inspection services for used units. Confirm that the gripper fingers, wrist actuation, and control interface are fully functional before purchase, as replacement parts carry significant cost.

Alternatives to Consider

• Kinova Gen3 for a higher-specification Kinova arm with torque sensing for research applications
• Assistive Innovations iArm for an alternative wheelchair-mounted arm option
• MyLab robot arm for a lighter assistive arm suitable for users with less demanding reach requirements