KINOVA Jaco assistive robot. Model Numbers: PJ 0000 0001, PJ 0000 0012, PJ 0090 0001, PJ 0090 0006, KR MJ2 0001. Jaco replaces the function of the upper limb on one side of the body.

Recall Insight

This FDA Devices action (record #Z-0049-2025) was formally reported on October 23, 2024, with the manufacturer initiating the action on August 22, 2024. It is classified under Critical severity (Class I), with a current status of Ongoing. Kinova Inc is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Montreal. Federal records indicate 949 units units are affected.

The documented reason for this recall is: Potential installation issue that could result in a fire hazard in the event of an interaction between a damaged Jaco arm and a wheelchair exhibiting electrical leakage. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide - US Nationwide distribution in the states of California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and the countries of Australia, Canada, China, Czechia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Gre…. Distribution scope directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.

To put this record in context, PlainRecalls indexes 83,949 recalls across the FDA, CPSC, NHTSA and USDA FSIS going back to 1995. Within the same product category, the database holds 6 closely related recalls, of which 6 were also issued by FDA Devices. That clustering is a signal — repeated actions in a narrow category often indicate a systemic quality-control issue, a supplier-wide contamination, or a design defect that has propagated across product lines. This recall is roughly 2 years old; older recalls can remain relevant because many units enter resale, rental, and secondary-market channels where the original warning never reaches the end user. Always cross-check the recall number against the official agency page before relying on any summary.