On the occasion of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Kubota has turned its vision of the future of agricultural mechanization into reality with a fully functional prototype of an autonomous, fuel-cell-powered tractor — the first of its kind in the world
Kubota’s goal is to contribute with concrete and achievable solutions to the decarbonization of self-propelled machinery while simultaneously addressing labor shortages and population aging, phenomena affecting most advanced countries. In short, these are the objectives that Kubota aims to achieve with the launch of the world’s first hybrid-guided tractor — capable of both autonomous and remote operation — powered by fuel cells.
The machine measures 4.38 meters in length, 2.20 meters in width, and 2.29 meters in height. These dimensions, together with an equivalent power output of around 100 horsepower, make it suitable as a farm tractor capable of open-field operations such as light soil tillage.
Appropriately, it was showcased in Osaka within an area called the Hydrogen Energy Park, equipped with a rotary harrow — a work setup capable of operating 24 hours a day without range issues, thanks to the short refueling times required for hydrogen.
According to a video available online at link, the hydrogen is stored in two tanks located under the hood, supplying a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack that uses a solid polymer electrolyte to transport hydrogen ions between two electrodes.
These fuel cells are lightweight and compact, operating at relatively low temperatures (between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius), which makes them particularly suitable for self-propelled applications — especially indoors or in environmentally sensitive areas — since they emit only water as exhaust.
The electricity produced by the fuel cells, once stabilized, powers two electric motors: one dedicated to propulsion and the other to driving the power take-off (PTO).
A key feature of the tractor is its hybrid guidance system. In the field, it operates fully autonomously, with trajectories controlled not only via satellite but also through a network of sensors and cameras.
However, when necessary, it can be operated remotely by a technician using a virtual driving console. From an operational standpoint, the tractor can leave its farm base and travel on public roads under human supervision, then switch to full autonomy once in the field — managing both work passes and return maneuvers independently.
Title: Kubota’s autonomous tractor fuel cell: a preview of the future
Translation with ChatGPT
