At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Kubota, a leading agricultural equipment manufacturer, showcased two groundbreaking innovations aimed at revolutionizing the agriculture industry. The company previewed an autonomous version of its M5 Narrow specialty tractor and a concept “Transformer” platform robot designed to morph into different machine formats via interchangeable attachments.
Kubota’s factory-integrated autonomous M5 Narrow tractor is a significant step towards smart farming. Developed in collaboration with US startup Agtonomy, this 105.7 hp (78.8 kW) diesel tractor is tailored for specialty crops like orchards and vineyards. The system incorporates advanced sensing and AI technologies to automate and optimize tasks such as crop growth sensing and chemical spraying. Treasury Wine Estates, which field-tested the M5 Narrow, reported improved efficiency and reduced rework, thanks to the tractor’s autonomy and sensing capabilities across every row and block.
While Kubota has not yet announced the pricing or commercial availability of the autonomous M5 Narrow, the potential implications for the agriculture industry are substantial. Autonomous tractors can significantly reduce labor costs, increase efficiency, and improve precision in farming operations. This technology could be a game-changer for specialty crop farmers, enabling them to optimize their operations and enhance productivity.
In addition to the autonomous tractor, Kubota presented the KVPR (Kubota Versatile Platform Robot), a concept autonomous robot platform designed for diverse applications, including farming and civil engineering. The KVPR features adjustable height and width, interchangeable attachments, and the ability to turn and move laterally and diagonally. This multi-season, multi-role platform aims to replace the need for dedicated machines for each task, offering a more flexible and efficient solution.
The KVPR’s automatic attachment changes and body transformation capabilities highlight Kubota’s commitment to innovation and versatility in agricultural technology. However, specific details about the powertrain, battery capacity, payload, speed, and timeline for the KVPR were not disclosed at CES 2026.
Kubota’s innovations at CES 2026 underscore the growing trend towards automation and smart technology in the agriculture industry. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for efficient and sustainable farming practices increases. Autonomous tractors and versatile robot platforms like the M5 Narrow and KVPR represent a significant step forward in meeting these demands.
The integration of advanced sensing and AI technologies in agricultural equipment is poised to transform farming operations, making them more efficient, precise, and sustainable. Kubota’s advancements in this field not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the broader goal of achieving food security and sustainability.
As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, the adoption of such technologies will be crucial in addressing the challenges of feeding a growing population while minimizing the environmental impact. Kubota’s innovations at CES 2026 serve as a testament to the potential of technology to drive positive change in the agriculture sector.