Kinova Gen3 Lite Robotic Arm

The Kinova Gen3 Lite is a modular robotic arm that is designed for professional, academic, and educational needs. It represents a versatile plug-and-play solution, adaptable for all levels of expertise with low-level and high-level control. Designed for efficiency and portability, the Gen3 Lite can be easily moved between different projects and environments with a quick setup time under 10 minutes.

Being the most compact member of the Kinova ultra-lightweight robot series, the Gen3 Lite offers a more cost-efficient option if you are looking for a professional-grade robotic arm to perform light manipulation tasks. For more advanced options, check out the standard Gen3 and Gen2 models.

As a compact yet powerful solution with an excellent payload-to-weight ratio, Kinova’s Gen3 Lite robotic arm possesses a decent reach coupled with a payload sufficient for the majority of precise lightweight tasks. Alongside high speed and repeatability, the machine provides intuitive controls, rich connectivity, and multifunctional web interface enabled by the proprietary Kinova Kortex software framework and application development platform. With various quick-to-learn control options, the Gen3 Lite is ideal both for beginners and experienced users.

The Kinova Gen3 Lite boasts advanced safety by design: default velocity limits ensure that in the event of a collision, the robot would not harm a person. In addition, all robot limits are configurable for each control mode, giving you flexibility depending on what you want to achieve. Due to simple deployment as well as support for multiple programming languages, the Gen3 Lite is perfect for effective and harmonious work alongside students of various levels and skills. 

The Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm combines a lightweight, ergonomic, and flexible design, decent working radius, remarkable precision, and intuitive yet multifaceted controls, which makes it ideal for a broad range of educational applications.

Specifications:

• Processing quality
• Applications
• Working range
• Robot controls and software
• What's in the box
• Look and feel
• Price

Processing quality

The Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm possesses high reliability coupled with professional accuracy. It features 6 degrees of freedom with +/- 155 to 160° joint rotation and is able to repeat the same movement within ±0.1 mm at a maximum speed of 25 cm/s. In combination with 0.5 kg continuous payload, this lets the robot perform an ample range of lightweight precision tasks with ease.

Due to IP22 ingress protection, the Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm can operate in controlled indoor environments with minimal exposure to dust and light water spray, making it suitable for applications where limited protection against small objects and occasional moisture is required. Moreover, the robot is fully operational from 0 to 40 °C.

Applications

Thanks to its rapid deployment, compact dimensions, high repeatability, and low power consumption, the Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm boasts increased portability and versatility. Adaptable for all levels of expertise, the robot is able to perform everything from simple grasping tasks to more complex manipulation applications in MATLAB, ROS, C++, and Python. One can enjoy the flexibility of developing in the environment they are most comfortable with.

The Kinova Gen3 Lite has an integrated two-finger gripper with underactuated fingers that can adapt to most shapes. For example, see how the robot manages to prepare a delicious cocktail:

The reasonable implementation of the Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm allows one to enhance manifold research and educational processes. Thanks to the Gen3 Lite robot, one can effectively teach robotics manipulation to students across many disciplines throughout universities and technical schools.

Working range

The Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm features six-axis movement and possesses a maximum reach of up to 760 mm in combination with a flexible and lightweight joint body. Its ergonomic design with a small footprint diameter enables rapid deployment without the need to alter layout of a designated area.

Robot controls and software

The Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm can be quickly connected to its controller base representing a compact yet powerful unit with multiple connectivity options, such as USB, Ethernet, and RNDIS. Without messy cable management and bulky control boxes, the Kinova Gen3 Lite allows for quick and easy integration into existing workflows and research processes.

Powered by the self-developed Kinova Kortex™ software platform, the Gen3 Lite robotic arm has been designed to reduce deployment time and costs by offering an intuitive and user-friendly experience. One can start working with the robot quickly using various teaching modes or preferred tools and languages. Furthermore, you can use the Kinova Kortex Web App on any desktop, laptop, or mobile device. It is possible to effectively communicate with the Gen3 Lite through any of the following options:

• MATLAB hardware support package;
• ROS and ROS2;
• Advanced programming in C++ and Python environments;
• Gazebo simulation environment;
• Certified compatible with PickNik’s MoveIt Pro Developer Platform. 

Kinova Kortex is the common software platform behind all of the products in the Gen3 family, including the Gen3 and Gen3 Lite solutions. The Kortex platform unifies the inner workings of different robots and their related external tools, like the API. It features a clear user-friendly interface as well as demonstrations and other handy functions. From code-less graphical programming to advanced low-level features, Kinova Kortex offers a programming experience that suits various educational needs.

To further advance educational activities with the Kinova Gen3 Lite, the first part of the dedicated educational package is available. Developed in collaboration with academics, this curriculum covers five topics and comprises instructions, code templates, and answer sheets. Professors in the field of robotics can take the opportunity to improve the hands-on experience of their students without having to spend extra effort adapting their material by using the provided content:

• Introduction to the Gen3 Lite;
• Forward and inverse kinematics;
• Trajectory planning;
• Modeling.

More curriculums are to be created in partnership with other academic partners and intended for all technical skill levels, from high schoolers to graduate students.

What’s in the box

• Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm
• Power supply
• Power supply cable
• Ethernet cable
• Mounting plate
• Table mounting clamp
• Controller
• Emergency stop button
• Quick start guide

For some items, package content may change. In case of any questions, please get in touch.

Look and feel

The Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm is available in white with blue trimmings. With its stylish and futuristic look, Kinova’s Gen3 Lite will decorate any classroom, workshop, lab, etc.

The Gen3 Lite model offers a durable modular construction and flexible lightweight design. It reaches a length of 42.5 in (108 cm) and weighs only 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg).

Price

To learn the current price of the Kinova Gen3 Lite robotic arm, click the "request the quote" button and fill in the form. We will contact you as soon as possible and send you all the details.