Kubota unveils hydrogen-powered driverless tractor to address global farm labor shortage

Kubota has introduced what it calls the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell tractor equipped with autonomous driving technology, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to tackle agricultural labor shortages and reduce carbon emissions. The unveiling took place this week at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The 100-horsepower tractor operates on a hydrogen fuel cell stack, offering up to half a day of continuous use per refueling. Designed without a driver’s seat, it can be operated remotely within network range, combining zero-emission power with AI-assisted navigation to improve field efficiency and safety.

The machine’s advanced camera systems detect people and obstacles, stopping automatically to prevent accidents. Kubota said the design aims to boost productivity in Japan’s aging and shrinking agricultural workforce while advancing the country’s decarbonization goals.

The new model builds on Kubota’s earlier hydrogen-powered tractor prototype introduced in 2024, which featured a 60-horsepower engine and a four-hour runtime per 10-minute refueling. The latest version delivers higher output, longer operating time, and faster refueling than battery-electric models.

Kubota plans to begin field trials soon. “We will soon conduct a demonstration experiment and continue development towards practical application,” said Isamu Kazama, one of the company’s lead developers.

Hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, emit only water and heat, making them a key technology in the shift toward cleaner energy. Kubota’s project highlights how hydrogen and AI systems could reshape modern agriculture, offering both sustainability and operational efficiency.