Kubota launches world’s first hydrogen-powered driverless tractor

JAPAN – Japan’s Kubota Corporation has presented what it calls the world’s first hydrogen-powered tractor with self-driving functions, drawing attention at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka this week.

The 100-horsepower tractor runs on a hydrogen fuel cell stack and delivers close to half a day of continuous work per refuel.

Its design removes the driver’s seat completely, replacing it with remote-control operation and AI-driven navigation.

“This tractor combines autonomous driving with zero-emission hydrogen power to help solve labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture,” Kubota said during the unveiling.

The machine’s dimensions measure 4.4 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 2.3 meters tall. Equipped with cameras and sensors, the tractor can identify obstacles or people in its path and stop instantly to prevent accidents.

It also allows off-site monitoring through a network connection, enabling farmers to operate it from a distance.

Addressing labor and climate challenges

Japan’s farming sector struggles with an aging workforce and fewer young people entering agriculture. Kubota’s hydrogen tractor aims to fill the labor gap while cutting carbon emissions.

“Unlike battery-electric tractors, this hydrogen model provides higher power output and longer uptime,” explained Isamu Kazama, one of Kubota’s lead developers.

“We will soon conduct a demonstration experiment and continue development towards practical application.”

Beyond efficiency, the tractor’s hydrogen system promises a quick turnaround between refueling compared to long charging times for batteries. Farmers can expect greater reliability during intensive work such as plowing or harvesting.

Built on past experiments

The current unmanned version builds on a previous manned prototype Kubota introduced last year. That earlier model produced 60 horsepower, held three tanks above the cab, and delivered four hours of operation after a 10-minute refuel.

It was tested in fieldwork such as plowing and incorporated fuel cell technology used in Toyota’s Mirai car.

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing water and heat as byproducts.

This process results in clean energy with zero emissions. Advances in platinum catalysts, thinner membranes, and improved bipolar plates have strengthened performance and durability, making the technology more practical for machines like tractors.

Kubota plans to test the tractor in real farm conditions following its display in Osaka. If field trials succeed, the company sees potential for broader use in both Japanese and global agriculture.

The development comes as interest in hydrogen technology grows worldwide. Earlier this month, Japan also began testing hydrogen-powered buses in Tokyo, showing how the fuel could serve different sectors of transport and farming alike.

Kubota’s showcase at the World Expo signals how innovation in clean energy and autonomous technology could support both productivity and climate goals in agriculture.

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