Japan-based agricultural equipment manufacturer Kubota unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered driverless tractor at World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The futuristically designed autonomous vehicle addresses the labor shortage and emissions problem in the agricultural sector.

Hydrogen-powered driverless tractor unveiled

The tractor combines AI-powered autonomous driving technology with zero-emission hydrogen power. Thanks to its fuel cell system, the 100-horsepower vehicle can operate continuously for approximately half a day on a single charge.

The tractor has no driver’s seat; all controls are remote. Measuring 4.4 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 2.3 meters high, the vehicle, equipped with AI-enabled cameras, automatically stops when it detects people or obstacles in the field.

Kubota previously tested a manned 60-horsepower prototype. This model can operate for four hours on three hydrogen tanks and has been tested in real-world field missions. The company announced that it will launch field tests of its new tractor soon. However, no information was released regarding the vehicle’s release date or price.

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by directly combining hydrogen and oxygen, releasing only heat through water. Today’s technology increases the lifespan and efficiency of these systems by using more durable catalysts and new components.

Prior to this launch at World Expo 2025, Kubota also showcased its hydrogen technology and electric agricultural equipment at CES 2025. The company hinted at autonomous operation, unveiling the self-loading agricultural robot KATR and electric compact excavators.