Kubota Unveils Autonomous Hydrogen Tractor Prototype
Kubota has introduced the world's first fully autonomous hydrogen-powered tractor, aiming to tackle agriculture's dual challenge: labor shortages and decarbonization. The concept combines clean energy with AI-driven autonomy for next-generation fieldwork.
Kubota is advancing its vision for cleaner, smarter farming with the debut of a hydrogen-powered, fully autonomous tractor prototype. Unveiled at the Hydrogen Energy Park during Expo 2025 Osaka, the concept model marks a world-first combination of fuel-cell technology and driverless field operation, the company announced.
At the heart of the design is a solid-polymer hydrogen fuel cell, which converts compressed hydrogen into electricity. The system delivers performance equivalent to a 100-horsepower (74kW) diesel engine-enough for a full day's work in the field. Unlike diesel, its only emission is water vapor, offering a zero CO solution for sustainable agriculture.
"This concept aims to reduce emissions while addressing labor shortages with full autonomy," said a Kubota spokesperson at the launch.
Refueling the tank takes just minutes, a clear operational edge over battery-powered alternatives that typically require long charging sessions.
Autonomy is a key innovation. The tractor uses cameras, sensors, and AI to navigate fields, avoid obstacles, and carry out tasks like tillage and cultivation-all without a driver. A remote-control option is also available for supervisory input when necessary.
Technical specifications (concept model)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4,380 mm (L) × 2,200 mm (W) × 2,290 mm (H) 14.4 ft × 7.2 ft × 7.5 ft |
| Output | Equivalent to 100 hp (74 kW) diesel tractor |
| Fuel | Compressed hydrogen |
| Fuel-cell type | Solid-polymer fuel cell |
| Operating time | Up to 12 hours per tank |
| Emission | Water only (zero CO) |
Designed for efficiency and sustainability
Kubota says the hydrogen tractor tackles two urgent agricultural challenges: reducing greenhouse gases and offsetting rural labor shortages. With higher energy density than batteries, hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for heavy-duty field machinery that must operate for extended hours.
Field trials in Japan will focus on verifying autonomous navigation, hydrogen refueling logistics, and integration into commercial farm operations.
"We're building the future of farming-machines that work longer, smarter, and cleaner," said the company.
This prototype is a key step in Kubota's roadmap to modernize its equipment fleet. It follows previous launches such as the X Tractor, a fully electric autonomous vehicle, and the Agri Robo KVT, which supports both automated and remote control functions.
The company is also developing retrofit kits to add autonomy to existing diesel tractors, and has partnered with Agtonomy to integrate advanced autonomy into specialty crop equipment.
As clean energy transitions accelerate across global supply chains, Kubota's hydrogen tractor could become a milestone in climate-resilient precision agriculture.
