Japan unveils ‘world’s first’ hydrogen-powered driverless tractor to tackle labor shortage
Zero-emission machines show what tomorrow’s farm fields might look like.
Japanese multinational corporation Kubota has unveiled the ‘world’s first’ hydrogen fuel cell tractor with a self-driving function. The machine was presented to the viewers at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, on Monday this week.
The tractor will remain on display at the event until Thursday. Kubota has unveiled this tractor to support their decarbonization efforts and boost labor efficiency, which are well-known global challenges in agriculture.
The tractor combines AI-driven autonomous driving with zero-emission hydrogen power to address labor shortages and sustainability in agriculture.
Decoding the system
Kubota has introduced the 100-horsepower hydrogen-powered tractor that runs on a fuel cell stack, providing farmers nearly half a day of uninterrupted operation per refueling. This runtime is critical for agricultural use, where long working hours and reliability are essential.
Coming to its dimensions, the tractor is 4.4 meters (14.4 feet) long, 2.2 meters (7.22 feet) wide, and 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) tall. It has no driver’s seat but can be controlled remotely from anywhere within network range.
Kubota’s hydrogen model also offers a faster turnaround between refueling, higher power output, and zero CO2 emissions. Beyond performance, the tractor has advanced technology such as AI-powered cameras capable of detecting people or obstacles in the field and stopping automatically to ensure safety.
It also supports remote operation, enabling off-site monitoring and control. Japan’s farming sector faces worker shortages and an aging population, and Kubota’s new tractor offers a smart fix. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and packed with modern tech to help farmers stay productive.
Inspired by the past
The unmanned version of the tractor is inspired by its manned fuel cell-powered counterpart that was presented last year.
This hydrogen-powered tractor delivered around 60 horsepower with three tanks above the cab, enabling four hours of quiet, low-vibration operation after a quick 10-minute refuel. It was designed with fuel cell tech like Toyota’s Mirai and tested in real farm tasks such as plowing.
More about hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen fuel cells are remarkable pieces of engineering that generate electricity by directly combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat as byproducts.
This makes them a clean and sustainable energy source with zero emissions. Recent advancements have pushed the technology forward with high-durability platinum catalysts that extend lifespan, thinner membranes that improve efficiency, and advanced bipolar plates that enhance performance.
A promising future
The Japanese company is planning to test the new model in the fields.
The company says that unlike battery-electric tractors, Kubota’s hydrogen model provides higher power output and longer uptime.
Isamu Kazama, one of Kubota’s lead developers, said:
We will soon conduct a demonstration experiment and continue development towards practical application,
Kubota’s latest unveiling shows how hydrogen fuel cells and autonomous systems can come together to reshape farming. If successful in field trials, this tractor could mark a turning point in sustainable, tech-driven agriculture worldwide.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Japan unveils ‘world’s first’ hydrogen-powered driverless tractor to tackle labor shortage, source
