Kinova Gen3

Overview

The Kinova Gen3 is a 7-axis collaborative arm from Kinova Robotics, a Canadian company based in Boisbriand, Quebec. It offers 4 kg payload and 902 mm reach, with full ROS and ROS2 integration, making it a common choice in assistive robotics, mobile manipulation research, and laboratory automation. The Gen3's 7-axis design provides redundant kinematics for obstacle avoidance and null-space motion.

Key Specifications

• Payload: 4 kg
• Reach: 902 mm
• Degrees of freedom: 7
• Repeatability: ±0.1 mm
• TCP speed: up to 1 m/s
• Weight: 8.2 kg
• IP rating: IP52
• Software: Kortex API (ROS, ROS2, Python, C++)

The Gen3 weighs only 8.2 kg at the base, enabling mounting on mobile robot platforms and wheelchair-mounted assistive systems.

Use Cases

The Gen3 is widely deployed in assistive robotics for people with mobility disabilities (wheelchair-mounted manipulation), mobile manipulation research on platforms such as Clearpath TIAGo and Fetch, and laboratory automation. Kinova's Kortex API provides a consistent interface across Python, C++, and ROS, which reduces software development time for research groups.

Buying Used

The Gen3 has a modest secondhand market driven by laboratory upgrades. UK and European prices range from £5,000 to £12,000. Kinova provides continued firmware updates for the Gen3, so older units remain supportable. Check the wrist module joints, which have a smaller form factor and may show wear in high-cycle applications. Verify that the Kortex API version is compatible with your ROS distribution.

Alternatives to Consider

• Franka Emika Panda (discontinued): Higher torque sensing precision for contact-rich manipulation, though no longer officially supported.
• Universal Robots UR5e: Higher payload and better industrial ecosystem, though heavier and not optimised for mobile platforms.
• Kinova Link 6: Heavier-duty 6-axis design from the same manufacturer for industrial applications.