Kubota has presented a concept model of an autonomous hydrogen fuel cell tractor, which it describes as the world’s first public display of such a machine. The tractor was shown at the “Hydrogen Energy Park” during Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
The concept brings together two key agricultural trends: decarbonization and automation. Powered by compressed hydrogen through a solid polymer fuel cell system, the tractor produces only water as a by-product. Kubota says the machine delivers performance equivalent to a 100-horsepower diesel model while eliminating emissions.
Equipped with autonomous driving and remote operation features, the tractor is designed to perform field work without an onboard operator. Kubota positions the project as a response to climate change and the growing labor shortage in agriculture.
Demonstration tests are planned in Japan to evaluate autonomous operation in farming conditions and to explore hydrogen supply methods tailored for agricultural use. The tractor forms part of Kubota’s wider push into decarbonization technologies, which also includes work on battery electrification, hydrogen engines, biofuels, and synthetic fuels.
According to the company, hydrogen fuel cells hold strong potential for larger farming machinery that requires both high output and long operating hours. The unveiling was part of an exhibition organized by Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), and the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A), showcasing technologies to support Japan’s drive toward a hydrogen-based economy.
