Affordable modular Ag Robot developed for under $2,500
South Dakota PhD student develops modular field robot for under $2,500.
Can an agricultural robot be both smart and affordable? Doctoral student James Kemeshi at South Dakota State University (SDSU) believes it can—and he’s proving it with a low-cost, modular robot that could make robotics accessible to small and mid-sized farms around the world.
Kemeshi’s ModagRobot (Modular Agricultural Robot) has a prototype build cost of just $2,500, a fraction of the $13,000 often required for entry-level commercial machines. Despite the lower cost, the robot is designed to perform multiple field tasks such as harvesting, spraying, and crop phenotyping, and is expected to be fully autonomous in the next phase of development.
“I want to empower small-scale farmers to adopt robotic solutions. It doesn’t need to be expensive,” says Kemeshi, who originally studied agricultural engineering in Nigeria before joining SDSU in 2022.
Modular, flexible, field-ready
The ModagRobot features a modular design with no welded parts, enabling users to adjust ground clearance, track width (58 to 100 cm / 23 to 39 in), and height (up to 2.4 meters / ~8 ft) to suit different crops and conditions. It can move through crop rows without damage and can be easily repurposed by changing components.
The system also integrates RGBD sensors—cameras that capture both color and depth information—to support crop phenotyping. This data helps identify plant traits like yield potential and disease resistance, supporting breeders and agronomists.
“We tested a $110 camera and a $40 camera—no performance difference. Same with low-cost motors. Smart component choices make robotics more accessible,” Kemeshi explains.
One robot, multiple uses
Beyond phenotyping, Kemeshi is adapting the platform for agricultural spraying. Because of its low production cost and modularity, the ModagRobot could offer an all-in-one solution for farmers who want to automate basic but essential field tasks without investing in multiple machines.
The robot has already gained attention, winning student competitions and appearing in a peer-reviewed paper in AgriEngineering. Kemeshi placed first in a regional Three-Minute Thesis competition with a presentation comparing his robot to a Transformer—able to switch functions like changing vehicles.
From concept to impact
The ModagRobot is still in the research phase, but the potential is clear. By focusing on cost-efficiency, open design, and task flexibility, Kemeshi and his advisor, Dr. Young Chang, are demonstrating a new approach to agricultural automation that prioritizes practical field deployment over high-tech complexity.
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