Jaco Robotic Arm

Imagine the ability to do almost anything a human arm can do, safely and independently. The Kinova Jaco robotic arm improves the quality of life for everyone ; users gain autonomy to reach their potential, while family, friends and clinicians can focus more on the quality of care.

READY TO TRY JACO? CONTACT US

HOW TO USE JACO

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Enabling new possibilities

Jaco’s movements mimic sixteen unique movements of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist with the smoothness and versatility of a fully functioning human arm. Mounted on your power wheelchair, you take full control using the chair’s joystick, head array, sip-and-puff, or almost any other interface. We know fitting through doors can be difficult, and in most cases, Jaco® does not add any width to your chair.

Our life-changing assistive robot helps you with everyday life, easily gripping objects, so you can pick up your keys or a glass of water, and open doors and press light switches. And yes, you can also eat with your Jaco®, either by using the robot’s fingers directly or by holding a utensil.

Be independent with Jaco

Jaco® offers fundamental and life-changing improvements to users’ lives by helping them perform many of the activities of daily living including:

Eating and drinking
Personal hygiene
Medication management
Leisure and active life
Work and school
Personal safety

Download the brochure →

Testimonial Highlight: Julie Wroble’s First Week with Jaco

On June 10th, 2025, Julie Wroble had her Jaco Robotic Arm installed and within just one week, she accomplished more tasks independently than she had in years. From flushing a toilet and picking up dropped items to making her own coffee, opening hard-to-grip containers, and retrieving packages, Julie’s Jaco diary captures a remarkable return to daily independence. For many of these tasks, she noted it was the first time ever or the first time in over a decade she was able to complete them on her own. Julie’s journey is a powerful reminder of how the right assistive technology can transform lives.

Click here to see Julie’s Jaco diary

We work for you

PIM’s Family Advocate and free repair programs

With our free family advocacy program, we partner with each of our clients to help them navigate the insurance funding process and have an excellent success rate in getting funding for these essential devices for our clients. We also offer free repairs for the lifespan of our assistive devices (5 years).

See Jaco in action with real users

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANK97eILOK0

FAQs

Will Jaco work with my diagnosis?

The intended users of Jaco include anyone living with a condition that limits their upper limbs in the performance of everyday tasks. Anyone can inquire about whether one of our assistive devices would be right for them, including individuals living with: Spinal muscular atrophy; Muscular dystrophy; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); Spinal cord injury; Cerebral palsy; Quadriplegia; Amputation; Stroke.

Will Jaco work with my powered wheelchair?

Our product specialists are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to getting Jaco to work with your powered wheelchair, as well as the controls you use – everything from sip-and-puff, head arrays, joysticks, and more.

Does Medicaid cover the Jaco robotic arm?

Yes, several managed Medicaid and state Medicaid plans have covered the Jaco robotic arm.

Does Medicare cover the Jaco robotic arm?

Most Medicare plans will not review an order for a Jaco robotic arm. A Medicare PPO plan has covered a Jaco robotic arm.

Does my private insurance plan cover the Jaco robotic arm?

Many do. The only private insurance companies that specifically exclude coverage for the Jaco robotic arm are Aetna and Cigna.

If my order is denied after the initial submission, is it worth it for me to appeal?

Yes, we find the folks that continue the appeal process have the highest success rate.

Is there someone that can help me with the appeal process?

Yes, our full-time Family Advocate, Lauren Bakken, can review your denial and assist with preparing and coordinating an appeal.

How do I try Jaco?

Our Product Specialist will meet you and your therapist and install the device on your wheelchair so that you can try it. If Jaco is appropriate for you, the therapist will send a Letter of Medical Necessity to your wheelchair provider for submittal to your insurer. So just contact us or your therapist to set up an evaluation.

How hard is it to learn to use Jaco?

Because the user operates Jaco with the same controller used to drive their chair, learning to use Jaco is intuitive and easy to master. Most folks are able to bring a cup to their mouth within ten minutes of trying Jaco. You can also watch videos on how to use Jaco to get a sense of how difficulty it is to learn and use.

Once I get insurance approval, how long does it take to get my robotic arm installed?

Partners in Medicine orders each Jaco robotic arm from Kinova in Quebec, Canada after receiving a purchase order from the Durable Medical Equipment vendor we’ve been working with. We typically schedule installations approximately 6 weeks after receiving the purchase order.

The process for getting a Jaco

We are your partners and advocates, alongside you every step on your journey to get a device.

Step 1: Contact Us

Step 1:
Contact Us

First, we will answer any questions you have. Then we will ask you questions about your therapist, wheelchair, wheelchair provider, and insurer.

Once we have the basic information down, we will set up a date with you and your therapist to have a device evaluation.

START YOUR JACO JOURNEY

First, we will answer any questions you have. Then we will ask you questions about your therapist, wheelchair, wheelchair provider, and insurer.

Once we have the basic information down, we will set up a date with you and your therapist to have a device evaluation.

START YOUR JACO JOURNEY

Step 2: Eval

Step 2:
Evaluation

Our Product Specialist will attach Jaco to your chair, connect it to your controller, and show you how to use it. The whole process will take about 90 minutes.

If you and your therapist agree that Jaco is a good fit then the therapist will write a Letter of Medical Necessity.

START YOUR JACO JOURNEY →

Our Product Specialist will attach Jaco to your chair, connect it to your controller, and show you how to use it. The whole process will take about 90 minutes.

If you and your therapist agree that Jaco is a good fit then the therapist will write a Letter of Medical Necessity.

START YOUR JACO JOURNEY

Step 3: Partner

Step 3:
Partner with us to obtain your device

We will work with your therapist and wheelchair provider to submit all documentation to your insurer for reimbursement approval.

If it is denied the first time then our Family Advocate will assist you with the appeal process.

READ ABOUT OUR FAMILY ADVOCATE PROGRAM

We will work with your therapist and wheelchair provider to submit all documentation to your insurer for reimbursement approval.

If it is denied the first time then our Family Advocate will assist you with the appeal process.

READ ABOUT OUR FAMILY ADVOCATE PROGRAM

Step 4: Installation

Step 4:
Installation

Once approved by your insurer, we will set a date to install your Jaco and provide thorough training. This will take about 4 hours.

Partners in Medicine then offers unparalleled ongoing support, including a free repair program for 5 years post-installation.

HEAR FROM REAL-LIFE JACO USERS

Once approved by your insurer, we will set a date to install your Jaco and provide thorough training. This will take about 4 hours.

Partners in Medicine then offers unparalleled ongoing support, including a free repair program for 5 years post-installation.

HEAR FROM REAL-LIFE JACO USERS

Jaco features

Easy to integrate

Jaco can be mounted on almost any power wheelchair.

Easy to use

Jaco can be controlled using the chair’s joystick, head control, sip-and-puff, head array systems or almost any other interface.

Compact

Jaco mounts onto your wheelchair to minimize overall width, allowing all seat movements to ensure clearance for transfer and other equipment, as well as maximizing the arm’s reach to access even the floor.

Energy efficient

Uses the power wheelchair battery to power the arm.

Technical Specifications Overview

3.5 lbs

Payload

35 inches

Reach

11.5 lbs

Weight

25 watts

Power consumption

Download the Jaco brochure

Download the Jaco user manual

HEAR FROM REAL USERS

Bill Faia, Jaco user

Hear from Bill Faia, a Jaco user living with ALS, as he discusses how his Jaco robotic arm, “Charlie,” has allowed him to gain independence and confidence. He also discusses his experience working with Partners in Medicine: “These people are devoted to what they’re doing and they really want to make the journey as good as can be.”

WATCH BILL’S STORY

Testimonial Highlight from an Occupational Therapist

“Sending a big thanks to you both! I saw my client on Friday. The Jaco on his chair is mounted perfectly and they are ecstatic about it. He is already developing such good control only a few days in. My client used it many times throughout our session for really functional tasks. I was so excited to see him quickly gaining independence in real time. Thank you for your support in helping to change this sweet boy’s life.” -Amanda, Occupational Therapist in North Carolina.

With every PIM Assistive Device, you get:

Dedicated, personalized service for the full life-cycle of your device.

Our product specialists maintain a personal, service-oriented relationships with every client and we offer free repairs for the lifespan of each of our assistive devices.

Experts with a passion for upper-limb mobility advocacy.

All of our employees have expert knowledge of assistive technologies and a deep passion for getting clients essential medical devices.

Access to our Family Advocate

We have a dedicated Family Advocate that helps each client and their caregivers navigate the sometimes complex process of insurance approval.

Partnership with a company that values honesty, service, and follow-through.

We prioritize being transparent and back up our promises with hard work and dedication to meeting our client’s needs