Kinova Robotics: An Innovation Company

For MAKO, innovation is more than just designing products that are going to make a difference in an industry.  As a design firm innovation creates opportunities for us to tackle important issues and create products that enhance a user’s quality of life. Kinova Robotics is an innovation company that has revolutionized the assistive robotics industry with the JACO robotic arm. The JACO is one of their assistive robotic models designed for people with disabilities to help them  achieve their daily tasks.

The JACO model comes with either two fingers or three fingers depending on the level of assistance an individual requires. The two finger model can carry objects that weigh up to 1.8 KG and can reach as far as 90 cm. The arm is programmed to perform 14 movements in total, with flexible fingers that can easily adapt to the shape and size of certain objects. With high friction rubber pads the device can easily grasp objects like glasses, plates, bowls, and doors. The JACO can also assist users to perform bodily functions such as scratching body parts. The purpose of JACO is to allow individuals with disabilities to still be able to interact and stay connected to their families and friends. The three finger model of JACO can carry objects that weigh up to 1.6 KG and can also reach the same distance. Unlike the two finger model, this model is programmed to perform 16 movements and users have the choice of using two fingers or three. Both JACO models optimize daily activities as they are lightweight and water resistant.

As an innovation company, Kinova Robotics is bringing back that self-confidence and sense of independence for individuals with disabilities.  Users can now enjoy an improved quality of life with their assistance robotic device. The arm is designed to be mounted on a wheelchair opposite to where the joystick is placed. This design ensures that the users experience is optimized since there is more room for the robotic arm to move around.

At MAKO, we are part of a design community that delivers products which eliminate the hurdles of achieving certain tasks. Kinova Robotics is a great example of an innovation company that is creating new opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The company received the Invention and Entrepreneurship Award from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society in June for JACO. We hope that they continue to gain recognition for their innovative solutions.

About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!