Osaka, Japan – Kubota Corporation., an agricultural machinery manufacturer, has unveiled what it calls the world’s first autonomous hydrogen fuel cell tractor at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The 100-horsepower prototype combines zero-emission hydrogen power with AI-driven autonomous driving and remote control, addressing both labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture.
Building on last year’s manned hydrogen tractor, this concept integrates artificial intelligence and autonomous operation. Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell stack, the tractor delivers up to half a day of operation between refueling - a crucial capability for demanding agricultural tasks.
Compared with battery-electric tractors, Kubota’s hydrogen model offers higher power output, longer runtime, and zero CO₂ emissions. An AI camera system detects people and obstacles in the field, allowing the tractor to safely stop when needed, while remote operation enables supervision from off-site locations.
These innovations are designed to help Japan’s agricultural sector cope with an aging workforce and labor shortages, while advancing the country’s push toward sustainable farming practices.