Hydrogen-powered driverless tractor to ease labor shortage in Japan

Japanese multinational Kubota has unveiled the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell tractor equipped with autonomous driving capabilities, showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka. This 100-horsepower tractor runs on a hydrogen fuel cell stack, enabling nearly half a day of continuous operation per refuel, addressing critical agricultural needs for long working hours and reliability. Measuring 4.4 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 2.3 meters tall, the tractor operates without a driver’s seat and can be remotely controlled within network range. It features AI-powered cameras for obstacle detection and automatic stopping to ensure safety, aiming to tackle Japan’s labor shortages and aging farming population while promoting sustainability through zero CO2 emissions. The new unmanned tractor builds on Kubota’s previous manned hydrogen model, which delivered 60 horsepower and four hours of quiet, low-vibration operation after a quick refuel. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat, making them a clean