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Kinova Gen2

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The Kinova Gen2 is a lightweight assistive and research robot arm built for manipulation studies, education, teleoperation, mobile robotics, and human-centred applications.

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Payload
Up to 2.6 kg on 6-DoF or 2.4 kg on 7-DoF configurations at mid-range
Max Speed
Up to approximately 0.2 m/s linear speed
Runtime
Externally powered
Navigation
Kinova API, SDK and ROS
Environment
Indoor laboratories
Best For
Research and mobile manipulation

OVERVIEW

The Kinova Gen2 is a lightweight robot arm platform developed for assistive manipulation, robotics research, education, teleoperation, and integration with mobile or custom systems.

Gen2 was offered in several four-, six-, and seven-degree-of-freedom configurations, with lightweight construction, low power consumption, Kinova software tools, SDK access, and ROS support.

The platform is best suited for laboratories, universities, assistive-technology teams, and developers that need a compact arm rather than a high-payload industrial robot.

As a legacy research platform, Gen2 remains most relevant for existing projects, used-unit sourcing, or teams that specifically depend on its original configuration, software interfaces, and accessories.

IS THIS ROBOT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Good fit if...

Not ideal if...

APPLICATIONS AND USE CASE FIT

Cleaning
Warehouse transport
Material handling
Inspection
Security / patrol
Delivery / service runs
Palletizing / stacking
Pick and place / sorting
Welding / fabrication
Manufacturing automation
Human interaction / service
Home / personal use

KEY FEATURES

Multiple configurations

Gen2 was offered with different joint counts, wrists, and grippers.

Lightweight construction

Designed for mobile, assistive, laboratory, and research integration.

Approx. 900 mm reach

Six-axis configurations provide a useful human-scale manipulation workspace.

Developer SDK

High- and low-level software access for custom robot applications.

ROS support

Suitable for research workflows, teleoperation, and robotics integration.

Low power demand

Can suit mobile platforms and systems with limited power budgets.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Robot type

Ultra-lightweight robotic arm

Main purpose

Research and mobile manipulation

Operating environment

Indoor laboratories

Deployment

Commercial research and remote-manipulation platform; configuration is project-specific

Payload / load capacity

Up to 2.6 kg on 6-DoF or 2.4 kg on 7-DoF configurations at mid-range

Reach

900 mm (6-DoF); 985 mm (7-DoF)

Mobility

Fixed to a workstation or integrated on a mobile platform

Manipulation

Robotiq grippers, Kinova interfaces and project-specific end effectors

Max speed

Up to approximately 0.2 m/s linear speed

Runtime

Externally powered

Power source

18–29 VDC; approximately 25 W average and 100 W peak

Navigation / control

Kinova API, SDK and ROS

Sensors

Joint position, current and torque feedback; optional camera and gripper sensing

Dimensions

900 mm (6-DoF); 985 mm (7-DoF) reach

Weight

4.4 kg (6-DoF); 5.5 kg (7-DoF), without gripper

SUPPLIER

Within 1-2 days
Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada
Worldwide via partners and distributors
Manufacturer

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Kinova Gen2 cost? +

There is no dependable single new-product Kinova Gen2 price because Kinova Gen2 is a previous-generation robot and current offers are more likely to be used, refurbished, surplus, or remaining dealer stock. Pricing depends on the arm’s age, operating hours, mechanical condition, controller, cables, software access, licences, tooling, documentation, and whether the seller has tested or refurbished the system. A low arm-only price can become expensive if the matched controller is missing, batteries or brakes need service, or compatible parts are difficult to obtain.

Buyers should compare the complete working package rather than the robot body alone. Ask for serial numbers, power-on evidence, maintenance history, error logs, and a written list of included components. Freight, professional crating, import duties, commissioning, calibration, and safety upgrades can materially change the total project cost.

You can request sourcing and pricing help for the Kinova Gen2 through Anton Robots to compare available units, condition, package completeness, and current alternatives before buying.

Where can I buy the Kinova Gen2? +

You can use Anton Robots to source a used, refurbished, or remaining-stock Kinova Gen2 and compare it with current alternatives. Because Kinova Gen2 is a previous-generation robot, it should not be treated like a standard new product with guaranteed factory stock. Units may appear through specialist robot dealers, industrial resellers, laboratories, integrators, auctions, and companies removing older automation systems.

The important question is not only where the robot is listed, but whether the complete system is usable. Confirm the exact variant, controller model, cable set, software access, teach device, operating hours, maintenance history, included tooling, and availability of replacement parts. Ask whether the seller has powered and tested the robot and whether any accuracy, brake, encoder, battery, or calibration work is required. For professional use, also check freight, commissioning, risk assessment, and local technical support.

To start, request Kinova Gen2 sourcing help and Anton Robots can help compare available packages, condition, compatibility, and newer replacement options.

Where can I find a Kinova Gen2 for sale? +

You may find a Kinova Gen2 for sale through used-robot dealers, industrial automation resellers, integrators, laboratory-equipment sellers, auctions, and specialist marketplaces such as Anton Robots. Availability is irregular because this is a previous-generation model, and an online listing does not guarantee that the system is complete or operational. Check whether the offer includes the correct controller, power and motor cables, teach device, software licences, manuals, mounting hardware, and any gripper or tooling shown in photographs.

Ask for the serial number, year, operating hours, maintenance history, error logs, and a video of the robot powering on and moving. A cheap robot body without its matched controller can be poor value, while a tested system with documentation and support may justify a higher price. Shipping and commissioning also matter because robot arms require secure crating and a safe installation.

If you are looking for a Kinova Gen2 for sale, contact Anton Robots to compare available units and modern alternatives before committing.

Can I get a quote for the Kinova Gen2? +

Yes. You can request a Kinova Gen2 quote through Anton Robots. A useful proposal should describe more than the robot name and a headline price. It should identify the exact model or revision, condition, payload, reach, controller, software, cables, teach interface, included end effector, mounting hardware, delivery assumptions, warranty position, and available support.

For used or legacy equipment, ask whether the system has been tested and whether commissioning, training, licences, spare parts, and integration are included or separate. The quotation should also be based on the real application: part weight, tool weight, required reach, cycle time, mounting position, environment, safety needs, and communication with other equipment. A cheaper arm can become the more expensive project if key components or engineering work are omitted.

Anton Robots can help compare the complete package, identify gaps, and assess whether the Kinova Gen2 or another robot is the safer fit for your budget and use case. This is especially important when comparing a current product against older or incomplete listings.

What is included when you buy the Kinova Gen2? +

A Kinova Gen2 package should be checked against a written packing list. With a used system, never assume photographed accessories are included or matched. Before buying, confirm whether the proposal includes:

  • Kinova Gen2 arm with exact DoF and geometry identified
  • Matched control interface and power supply
  • Ethernet or USB interface and cables
  • Kinova software, SDK and compatible firmware access
  • Joystick or operator controller if included
  • Two- or three-finger gripper and fingertips if supplied
  • Mounting plate and mobile-base interface
  • Test report, shipping case, parts and support details

Also ask whether the arm and controller are matched, which software version is supported, and whether the equipment has been tested as one system. Grippers, vision, mounting hardware, safety equipment, commissioning, training, and integration may be separate even when they appear in product images. For used equipment, obtain serial numbers and proof of operation. For a current product, confirm who supplies and supports every optional component. Two offers labelled Kinova Gen2 can therefore represent very different levels of readiness and total cost.

You can request an itemised Kinova Gen2 package through Anton Robots to compare the robot, controller, accessories, delivery, warranty, and support before purchasing.

What is the payload and reach of the Kinova Gen2? +

The Kinova Gen2 payload and reach depend on the exact configuration. A common six-degree-of-freedom Gen2 arm is specified with approximately 900 mm reach, a continuous mid-range payload around 2.6 kg, and a lower full-reach peak or temporary payload around 2.2 kg. Different four-, six-, and seven-axis versions, link shapes, and grippers were offered, so buyers should not copy one specification across every Gen2 arm. Payload also changes with arm extension, wrist orientation, centre of gravity, and acceleration. The gripper, fingers, sensors, adapters, and object all count toward the supported load.

Before buying used, obtain the model code and original datasheet for that serial-numbered arm. Verify joint function and holding performance at representative reach because age and wear can affect behaviour.

You can request Kinova Gen2 configuration help through Anton Robots to identify the exact arm and compare it with current research platforms.

Can the Kinova Gen2 be shipped internationally? +

The Kinova Gen2 can usually be shipped internationally, subject to seller availability, destination, export rules, freight capacity, customs requirements, and the condition of the equipment. Robot arms should be packed securely because impact, moisture, unsupported joints, or poor restraint can damage reducers, brakes, encoders, connectors, and covers. The quotation should state whether professional crating, insurance, lift-gate delivery, customs documentation, and local transport are included.

Buyers may also need to pay freight, import duties, VAT, GST, brokerage, and unloading costs. For used or older systems, confirm that the controller, cables, teach device, and accessories are packed with the matched robot and clearly identified. Batteries inside controllers or pendants may create additional transport requirements. Before shipment, request photographs, serial numbers, a packing list, and evidence that the system has been tested.

If you need the Kinova Gen2 shipped internationally, request an international quote through Anton Robots so the landed package, customs responsibilities, delivery terms, and support arrangements can be checked before purchase.

Is the Kinova Gen2 still available or in stock? +

Kinova Gen2 availability is irregular because the model belongs to an earlier robot generation. It may appear as used, refurbished, surplus, or remaining dealer stock rather than as a standard factory-order product. Delivery time depends on locating a suitable unit, confirming the controller and accessories, testing the system, arranging secure crating, and completing freight or customs requirements.

Do not treat a web listing as proof of immediate stock. Ask the seller to confirm that the specific serial-numbered unit is available, whether it has been powered and tested, what condition grading is used, and how long preparation will take. If the robot is needed for a production or research deadline, also allow time for commissioning, software setup, tooling, safety validation, and replacement of age-related components. A modern alternative may be faster to deploy if parts or support are limited.

You can request current Kinova Gen2 availability through Anton Robots before planning a purchase or project schedule.

What warranty and support are available for a used Kinova Gen2? +

Warranty on a Kinova Gen2 depends on the individual seller and should not be assumed to match the original manufacturer’s new-product warranty. A used dealer may offer a short functional warranty, a refurbishment guarantee, or sale as-is, while an auction or private seller may provide no coverage. Ask what is covered, when the warranty starts, who pays return freight, and whether the controller, teach device, cables, motors, brakes, encoders, and electronics are included.

Support is equally important. Confirm who can diagnose faults, whether compatible spare parts and software remain available, and whether local commissioning or repair is possible. Request maintenance records, error history, battery status, and proof of repeatability or functional testing before shipment. Older robots can still be useful, but downtime risk should be priced into the decision. If the system is intended for production, consider spare components and a recovery plan.

Contact Anton Robots to review the available warranty, condition, and support package before buying the Kinova Gen2.

Is the Kinova Gen2 worth buying today? +

A Kinova Gen2 can still be worth buying for a research, assistive, or replacement project when the exact configuration is complete and supported. Its main strengths are light weight, human-scale reach, low power use, mature SDK access, and a strong history in assistive and academic robotics, making it relevant for universities, assistive-technology groups, mobile-manipulation researchers, and teams maintaining an existing Gen2 system.

Buyers should still check hardware revision, joint condition, gripper completeness, firmware and SDK compatibility, spare parts, and lower payload than industrial arms. It is a previous-generation Kinova platform, so buyers should evaluate software continuity and condition rather than assume current new-product support. Size the robot from the real application: include the gripper and part in the payload, verify reach to every target, and review cycle time, mounting, environment, software, safety controls, and long-term support. A cheaper arm that needs unavailable parts or extensive engineering can cost more than a supported alternative. The correct decision is based on the complete deployed system and expected operating life, not the robot-arm price alone.

You can browse the robotic arms catalogue or request advice through Anton Robots before deciding whether the Kinova Gen2 is worth buying.

Is the Kinova Gen2 suitable for universities and robotics research? +

The Kinova Gen2 is suitable for assistive manipulation, teleoperation, mobile robotics, shared control, human-robot interaction, grasping, perception research, and teaching. Its SDK and ROS ecosystem can connect the arm with cameras, mobile bases, planning software, and custom interfaces. The robot arm does not create a complete application by itself. Real deployments may require a gripper or process tool, fixtures, part presentation, machine or PLC communication, vision, safety equipment, and commissioning.

Cycle time and reliability depend on the complete system, not only the published payload and reach. Check the weight and centre of gravity of the tool and part, every approach path, environmental conditions, and the required duty cycle. Some tasks that look simple in a demonstration become difficult when parts vary, access is restricted, or error recovery is required. The Kinova Gen2 should also be kept within its intended role: it is a lightweight research and assistive arm, not a high-throughput factory cobot.

You can request a Kinova Gen2 application review through Anton Robots to compare the robot, tooling, integration, and safer alternatives before building the cell.

How is the Kinova Gen2 programmed? +

The Kinova Gen2 supports high- and low-level development through Kinova APIs and SDK tools, with Windows or Linux interfaces and ROS packages used in academic robotics. Exact compatibility depends on the arm revision, firmware, API, and operating system.

Before buying, confirm the exact controller generation, firmware, software version, licences, supported operating systems, and communication options supplied with the unit. A production or research programme needs more than recorded motion: include tool control, I/O, interlocks, fault handling, safe stop behaviour, recovery, and backups. Ask the seller or integrator to demonstrate the workflow that your operators or developers will actually use, not only a simple movement example.

If the project depends on ROS, an API, a fieldbus, a specific PLC, vision system, or offline programming tool, validate that interface with the exact hardware revision before purchase. Legacy packages may require older software, while current products may have optional licences or modules. Contact Anton Robots to compare the complete programming and integration package for the Kinova Gen2.

Does the Kinova Gen2 include a gripper or joystick? +

The Kinova Gen2 was sold in different arm and end-effector configurations. Some packages include a two- or three-finger gripper, joystick, power supply, and communication hardware, while others are arm-only or use custom controls. Ask for a written list of the controller, power equipment, robot cables, emergency-stop hardware, teach interface, software, licences, mounting equipment, and documentation. Grippers, vision, stands, safety scanners, process equipment, and application kits are often separate unless the quotation states otherwise.

For a used or limited-availability system, request a power-on video showing the controller booting and the robot moving all joints without unresolved faults. Confirm that the controller is matched to the arm and that calibration, parameters, and programme backups are available. Missing proprietary control hardware can make an otherwise inexpensive robot unusable. For a current product, verify input power, I/O, fieldbus, safety interfaces, and who will commission and support the controller after delivery.

You can request an itemised Kinova Gen2 control package through Anton Robots before comparing suppliers.

Can the Kinova Gen2 be used safely around people? +

The Kinova Gen2 is lightweight and has assistive-robotics heritage, but it should not be assumed safe for unrestricted operation simply because it is smaller than an industrial arm. The mounting, gripper, object, software, user interface, and combined mobile platform all affect risk. Safety depends on speed, payload, tool shape, workpiece, trapping points, mounting, environment, and human access. A smooth gripper moving a light rounded object creates different hazards from a sharp component, screwdriver, welding torch, hot part, or heavy offset tool.

The application may require emergency stops, guarded or monitored access, speed and force limits, safety scanners, interlocked gates, safe teaching modes, or physical fencing. Collaborative branding does not make every tool or process collaborative, and a reduced-speed setting does not replace a risk assessment. Confirm which safety functions are available in the exact controller and how they are configured, tested, and documented. Operators and maintenance staff need appropriate procedures and training.

Contact Anton Robots to review whether the Kinova Gen2 can operate near people or requires additional safeguarding.

Should I buy the Kinova Gen2 or a current Kinova arm? +

Choose a Kinova Gen2 when compatibility with an existing research system, lower used cost, or a known Gen2 software stack is essential. Choose a current Kinova arm when new-product warranty, current APIs, lifecycle support, and easier future development matter more.

Do not choose by model name or headline payload alone. Compare the complete tool and part weight, centre of gravity, reach to every target, repeatability, speed, mounting, environmental protection, controller, software, safety functions, lifecycle support, delivery, and local service. A legacy unit may be attractive as a direct replacement because mechanical and programme compatibility can outweigh age. A current model is usually safer for a greenfield project because warranty, documentation, parts, and integration support are clearer. A larger arm can add capacity but may increase cell size, cost, and safety requirements. A smaller arm can be easier to deploy but leave insufficient engineering margin.

You can request a robot comparison through Anton Robots based on your real application, budget, existing equipment, and support requirements.

What should I check before buying a used Kinova Gen2? +

Before buying a used Kinova Gen2, identify the exact model, degree-of-freedom count, link geometry, gripper, controller revision, firmware, SDK, and API. Test every joint, Cartesian motion, homing, position holding, gripper control, cables, connectors, power supply, joystick, and computer communication. The cell may also need a stable base, fixtures, trays, feeders, conveyors, machine interfaces, valves, air preparation, cables, tool changers, and safety equipment. Vision applications require a camera, lens, lighting, calibration, and software.

Machine tending may need automatic doors, chuck or vise control, part sensing, and machine I/O. Educational and research systems may need curriculum, computers, SDK access, or simulation licences. Validate the combined tool and part weight, centre of gravity, reach, cycle time, cable routing, and environmental exposure using the real components. The robot’s published specification does not guarantee that a complete process will work. Confirm who integrates and warrants the system and who supports it after installation.

You can request an itemised Kinova Gen2 system quote through Anton Robots rather than comparing arm-only prices.

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