Kinova Gen3

~$35,900 (reseller)

AvailablePython from a laptop7-DOF optionTorque sensingWrist camera optionUltralight

Weeks+Shipping: Quote and lead time.

Remote control: The Kortex Python API connects over Ethernet or Wi-Fi from a laptop for both high-level and 1 kHz low-level control.

LEARN MORE (Official page) ↗

Overview

An ultralight 7-DOF research arm with torque sensing in every joint and an optional wrist camera, light enough to mount on mobile bases. It is a common arm on mobile manipulators and in grasping research, competing with Franka for labs that want low weight and an embedded controller.

Type: Robot arm · Research & collaborative arms
Maker: Kinova (Canada)
Released: 2018
Price: ~$35,900 (reseller)
Status: Available
Best for: Professionals & labs
Programming: Full SDK

Price and shipping

RobotShop lists the 7-DoF Gen3 at $35,864.11 (RobotShop US, September 2026). Kinova publishes no list price. Year estimated from the first Kortex SDK release (late 2018).

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

Specifications

Category	Robot arms · Research & collaborative arms
Released	2018
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 over Ethernet, no built-in LLM.
MuJoCo simulation	Official model · In MuJoCo Menagerie (kinova_gen3). MuJoCo Menagerie ↗
NVIDIA Isaac simulation	Official model · Isaac Lab ships KINOVA_GEN3_N7. Isaac Lab kinova.py ↗
Gazebo simulation	Official model · Maker's ros2_kortex supports Gazebo Harmonic via its simulation repos. ros2_kortex ↗
Best for	Professionals & labs
Vision sensors	Camera, Depth camera
Actuators	Brushless / direct-drive motors
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Proprietary / undisclosed
Remote control	Python from a laptop
DOF	6 or 7
Reach	902 mm
Payload	4 kg (mid-range continuous)
Repeatability	Not published
Weight	7.2 kg (6-DOF), 8.2 kg (7-DOF)
Controller	Embedded controller in the base, web app from any browser
Sensors	Torque sensors in every actuator, optional integrated 2D/3D wrist vision module
SDK	Kortex API (C++ and Python), ROS/ROS 2 (ros_kortex), MATLAB/Simulink, 1 kHz low-level control

Common questions

How much does Kinova Gen3 cost?

Kinova Gen3 is listed at ~$35,900 (reseller). RobotShop lists the 7-DoF Gen3 at $35,864.11 (RobotShop US, September 2026). Kinova publishes no list price. Year estimated from the first Kortex SDK release (late 2018).