Kubota has unveiled a groundbreaking prototype at the Hydrogen Energy Park exhibition during Expo 2025 Osaka, marking a significant stride in the realm of sustainable and autonomous farming. The Japanese agricultural machinery giant introduced the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell tractor equipped with autonomous driving capabilities, a concept model that promises to revolutionize the way we approach agriculture.
The new prototype harnesses the power of a solid-polymer fuel cell, which converts compressed hydrogen into electricity. This innovative system produces only water vapor and heat as byproducts, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel engines. Kubota claims that the hydrogen-powered tractor delivers power equivalent to a 100-horsepower (74 kW) diesel engine and can operate for up to 12 hours on a single refill. Moreover, refueling takes just minutes, a substantial advantage over battery-electric tractors that often require lengthy charging times.
Autonomous operation is at the heart of this concept. The tractor is equipped with cameras, sensors, and AI-driven navigation, enabling it to move through fields, avoid obstacles, and perform tasks such as tillage and cultivation without an operator on board. For added flexibility, a remote-control option allows for supervision from outside the cab when necessary.
The technical specifications of the concept model are impressive. With dimensions of 4,380 mm in length, 2,200 mm in width, and 2,290 mm in height, the tractor is designed to maneuver efficiently in various farming environments. Its output is comparable to that of a conventional 100 hp diesel tractor, ensuring that it can handle the demanding tasks of modern agriculture. The use of compressed hydrogen as a fuel source, combined with a solid-polymer fuel cell, underscores Kubota’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, the hydrogen-powered tractor addresses two of agriculture’s most pressing challenges: labor shortages and decarbonization. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a higher energy density than batteries, making them particularly well-suited for large machinery that must operate for extended periods in the field. Kubota plans to conduct demonstration tests on Japanese farms, focusing on autonomous field navigation, hydrogen supply logistics, and the overall suitability of the tractor for commercial farming operations.
This hydrogen tractor is part of Kubota’s broader strategy to make its machinery smarter and cleaner. In recent years, the company has presented the X Tractor, a fully electric and autonomous concept, and the Agri Robo KVT, which can operate independently or by remote control. Kubota is also collaborating with Agtonomy to integrate autonomous features into diesel tractors for specialty crops and developing retrofit kits for partial automation.
The implications of Kubota’s hydrogen-powered, autonomous tractor are far-reaching. As the global agricultural industry grapples with the need to reduce carbon emissions and address labor shortages, innovative solutions like this prototype offer a glimpse into a more sustainable and efficient future. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Kubota is not only advancing the capabilities of agricultural machinery but also setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in the industry.