Kinova Gen3 lite

~$14,450 (reseller)

AvailablePython from a laptop5.4 kg armEducationKortex API

Weeks+Shipping: Quote and lead time.

Remote control: Same Kortex Python API as the Gen3, over Ethernet from a laptop.

Overview

A smaller, cheaper sibling of the Gen3 aimed at teaching and light manipulation, sharing the same Kortex software. The 0.5 kg payload limits it to small objects, but its low weight and power draw suit mobile robots and classrooms.

Type: Robot arm · Research & collaborative arms
Maker: Kinova (Canada)
Released: 2020
Price: ~$14,450 (reseller)
Status: Available
Best for: Professionals & labs
Programming: Full SDK

Price and shipping

RobotShop lists the Gen3 lite at $14,452.70 (RobotShop US, September 2026). Kinova publishes no list price and positions it as the cost-efficient option. Year estimated from product images from launch (2020).

Shipping: Quote and lead time. Sold by Kinova and education distributors on quotation.

Specifications

Category	Robot arms · Research & collaborative arms
Released	2020
Country	Canada
Availability	Available
Programmability	Full SDK
Built-in autonomy	None / scripted · Moves only when controlled, or plays preset motions
LLM support	Possible via SDK · Kortex Python/C++ API and ROS, no built-in LLM.
MuJoCo simulation	Maker URDF only · Maker's ros2_kortex includes a Gen3 lite URDF, nothing for MuJoCo. ros2_kortex ↗
NVIDIA Isaac simulation	Maker URDF only · Maker publishes a URDF, not in Isaac Sim or Isaac Lab assets. ros2_kortex ↗
Gazebo simulation	Official model · Maker's kortex_gazebo simulates the Gen3 lite. ros_kortex kortex_gazebo ↗
Best for	Professionals & labs
Vision sensors	No vision sensors
Actuators	Unknown
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Proprietary / undisclosed
Remote control	Python from a laptop
DOF	6
Reach	760 mm
Payload	0.5 kg
Repeatability	Not published
Weight	5.4 kg
Controller	Embedded controller, 20 W power consumption
Sensors	Actuators sense position, motor current, voltage and temperature, base and wrist carry a gyroscope and accelerometer, gripper reports finger position and velocity
SDK	Kortex API (C++ and Python), ROS/ROS 2 (ros_kortex)

Common questions

How much does Kinova Gen3 lite cost?

Kinova Gen3 lite is listed at ~$14,450 (reseller). RobotShop lists the Gen3 lite at $14,452.70 (RobotShop US, September 2026). Kinova publishes no list price and positions it as the cost-efficient option. Year estimated from product images from launch (2020).