Kinova Gen3 Robotic Arm

The Kinova Gen3 is a modular robotic arm that is designed for rapid, cost-effective, and safe automation of research and professional applications. It represents a versatile, accessible, plug-and-play machine with impressive technical characteristics making it a perfect device for a wide range of projects, including CNC machine tending, assembly, packaging, and more. Designed for efficiency and portability, the Gen3 robot can be moved between different research teams, projects, and environments with a quick setup time under 30 minutes.

Available in three configurations, the Kinova Gen3 can be mixed and matched to your preferences. The options include either six or seven degrees of freedom, a fixed or quick-connect base, and a wrist with or without an integrated 2D/3D vision module. For a smaller version suited for professional academic-level educational needs, check out the Gen3 Lite model.

Being a compact yet powerful solution with an excellent payload-to-weight ratio, Kinova’s Gen3 robotic arm possesses a long reach coupled with a payload sufficient for the majority of precise lightweight tasks. Alongside high speed and repeatability, the machine provides intuitive controls on its wrist, 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, such as drag teaching, the Gen3 is ideal both for beginners and experienced users looking for advanced automation opportunities.

The Kinova Gen3 boasts advanced safety by design: volumetric safety zones and 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 and Robotiq end effectors, the Gen3 is perfect for effective and harmonious work alongside or instead of people of various professions and skills.

The Kinova Gen3 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 operations. The Gen3 robot can efficiently handle dynamic grasping, vision-based manipulation, dexterous assembly, haptics, deep learning, mobile manipulation, and more.

Specifications:

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

Processing quality

The Kinova Gen3 robotic arm possesses high reliability coupled with professional accuracy. It features 6 / 7 degrees of freedom with infinite rotation on all joints and is able to repeat the same movement within ±0.1 mm at a maximum speed of 50 cm/s. In combination with 2–4 kg continuous payload, this lets the robot perform an ample range of lightweight precision tasks with ease. In addition, smart actuators with integrated torque sensors provide the means to perform complex operations with 1 kHz closed-loop control at low level.

Due to IP33 ingress protection, the Kinova Gen3 robotic arm can operate in environments with limited exposure to small tools and light water spray, making it suitable for basic indoor industrial applications where minimal dust and moisture protection is required. Moreover, the robot is fully operational from -30 to 35 °C. On tracks or wheels, grass, sand, or dirt, you can trust the Gen3 model to get the job done efficiently.

Applications

Thanks to its embedded controller, small footprint, lightweight construction, and low power consumption, the Kinova Gen3 robotic arm can adapt to a variety of spheres implying precise, repetitive tasks. Rapid deployment, compact dimensions, high repeatability, and incredible payload-to-weight ratio make the Gen3 model ideal for mobile robotics applications listed below:

• Vision-based manipulation;
• Dexterous assembly;
• Haptics;
• Dynamic grasping;
• Deep learning;
• Mobile manipulation.

This versatility of the Kinova Gen3 is achieved through the robot’s flexible wrist with an open end-effector interface module offering increased ease of use and efficiency. The Gen3 model officially supports the Robotiq 2F-85 and 2F-140 grippers. The robotic arm is also engineered with an optional 2D/3D vision module applied for complex tasks requiring automation and precision.

For example, see how the Kinova Gen3 manages to cope with automated tomato picking using its optional vision module and gripper:

The reasonable implementation of the Kinova Gen3 robotic arm allows one to automate manifold research and manufacturing processes, save time, and significantly reduce labor costs. Thanks to the Gen3 robot, one can move their employees to value-added tasks for improved efficiency across any factory, workshop, or lab.

Working range

The Kinova Gen3 robotic arm features six- or seven-axis movement (depending on the configuration chosen) and possesses a maximum reach of up to 891 mm / 902 mm respectively 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 robotic arm can be quickly connected to its controller base representing a compact yet powerful unit with multiple connectivity options. Without messy cable management and bulky control boxes, the Kinova Gen3 robot allows for quick and easy integration into existing workflows and research processes.

Powered by the self-developed Kinova Kortex™ software platform, the Gen3 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 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. 

One of the key control methods for the Kinova Gen3 robot is with a gamepad. Depending on the configuration (6 or 7 degrees of freedom), you can use different high-level control modes: Cartesian position/velocity, joint position/velocity, or wrench.

For further user convenience, the Gen3 robotic arm provides intuitive hand controls situated on the wrist. These bracelet buttons are used (in conjunction with the Web App) for manual hand-guiding and trajectory planning making for fast and easy task preparation. Thus, the operator of any skill level can simply drag the Gen3 robot to desired positions and teach it necessary functions.

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.

What’s in the box

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

The Gen3 model offers a durable modular construction and flexible lightweight design. It weighs only 16 / 18 lbs (7.2 / 8.2 kg) depending on the version (6 or 7 degrees of freedom respectively).

Price

To learn the current price of the Kinova Gen3 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.