Japan has unveiled its hydrogen-powered, self-propelled tractor. The machine developed by Kubota is said to be the first of its kind to revolutionize agriculture. The tractor promises to address labor shortages and adhere to sustainable agricultural practices.
Interesting Engineering introduced the tractor at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.
Kubota recognizes that the agricultural sector faces significant challenges, including an aging workforce. Traditional agriculture also relies on dirty energy sources, contributing to planet-warming pollution.
The company's new tractor offers a double solution to these problems.
It houses a 100 horsepower hydrogen fuel cell stack with no CO2 pollution. According to Interesting Engineering, the performance enables “uninterrupted operation per refueling” of 12 hours.
The tractor's real trump card is its autonomous driving function. Within range of a remote network it is completely driverless. AI-powered cameras detect people or obstacles so the tractor stops automatically.
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The unmanned tractor evolved from a manned version with 60 hp in 2024. The latter completed agricultural tasks such as four hours of plowing on a 10-minute tank fill.
Both technologies use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity without pollutants. Hydrogen and oxygen together create this sustainable energy. The process produces only two byproducts: water and heat.
Its advances, long-lasting platinum catalysts and thinner membranes increase service life and efficiency.
Kubota's hydrogen-powered, self-propelled tractor benefits farmers and the environment.
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It supports the workforce and makes agriculture more efficient and productive. Zero-emission operations reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and contribute to cleaner air. Farmers' everyday lives become easier, operating costs and time in the field decrease.
According to Interesting Engineering, it has more “power.” [and] operating time” than battery-electric tractors. The combination of autonomy and hydrogen propulsion benefits farmers and the planet.
Isamu Kazama, one of the lead developers, said the tractor's “practical application” was under development. If it is available, tomorrow's agricultural fields can be efficient, environmentally friendly and technology-driven.
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