Japanese machinery giant Kubota Corporation has unveiled a groundbreaking concept model of the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell tractor with full autonomous and remote-control capabilities, marking a significant milestone in sustainable agriculture.
Showcased at the “Hydrogen Energy Park!!” exhibition ahead of Expo 2025 in Osaka, the innovative machine is designed to tackle the dual challenges of decarbonization and the global labor shortage in farming.
The concept tractor, which runs on a solid-polymer hydrogen fuel cell stack, is engineered to be a powerful and eco-friendly solution for large-scale agriculture.
- Zero Emissions: The machine generates electricity by combining compressed hydrogen and oxygen, with its only emission being water vapor and heat, making it a zero-carbon option for fieldwork.
- High Performance: It delivers an output equivalent to a 100-horsepower diesel engine tractor, ensuring enough power for heavy-duty tasks like plowing and harvesting.
- Driverless Operation: The tractor is built without a driver’s cab and features full autonomous navigation, supported by advanced sensors and AI-powered cameras that detect obstacles and ensure safety.
- Remote Control: Farmers can operate the tractor remotely from a control station or mobile device within the network range, offering unprecedented operational flexibility.
- Extended Runtime: The hydrogen system allows the tractor to run for nearly half a day on a single, quick hydrogen refuel, addressing the long downtime associated with charging battery-electric alternatives.
Kubota stated that the machine represents the future of smart agriculture, addressing Japan’s aging farm workforce and the global need for climate-resilient farming practices.
The company plans to conduct extensive field trials in Japan to verify the tractor’s reliability, autonomous navigation systems, and integration into commercial farm operations before moving toward practical application.
