Maybe you don’t know about the company Kubota, but it’s a well-known Japanese agricultural machinery company. And why are we talking about it? Well, Kubota has developed an innovative tractor called the X Vehicle, which doesn’t need a driver, runs on hydrogen and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to perform farm tasks on its own. This tractor is part of Kubota’s Agrirobo program, which aims to increase efficiency and productivity in farming without depending so much on human work.
The X Vehicle combines advanced technology with clean energy, offering an example of how farming can be more sustainable and modern. So, let’s learn more about this incredible project.
Kubota’s X Vehicle
It’s also called X Tractor and it was presented for the first time at the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. This autonomous tractor moves through fields and rice paddies by using GPS sensors and guide systems based on artificial intelligence. Thanks to these systems, the tractor can:
- Monitor crop growth.
- Check weather and field conditions.
- Decide the best times to plant, harvest, or till the soil.
Opposite to traditional tractors, the X Vehicle has no wheels. Instead, it uses four Mattracks or crawlers, which help move in difficult terrains and adapt to different conditions. Each crawler has their own engine to make tight turns and adjust the height—lower for stability and higher to pass over taller crops.
How the X Vehicle works
As we previously mentioned, this tractor works autonomously and can be supervised remotely by farmers. This means that a great part of framing tasks are done without a direct physical effort. Also, its AI system uses field and weather data to schedule tasks in a more efficient way, reducing mistakes and optimizing working time.
Kubota has developed two versions of the X Vehicle when it comes to its energy: the first one combines lithium batteries and solar panels, whereas the most recent version works with compressed hydrogen. The latter version offers power equal to a 100-HP diesel tractor, but with no harmful emissions.
Why hydrogen is the best option
The use of compressed hydrogen makes the X Vehicle to be safer and more efficient since hydrogen can be refilled at high-pressure stations, even in rural areas without advanced infrastructure. The tractor converts hydrogen into electricity with a fuel cell, efficiently powering the motors without energy loss.
What’s more, the X Vehicle can face difficult conditions in the field, like dust, vibrations, and temperature changes, without affecting its performance. Hydrogen provides enough energy per tank without adding extra weight or complexity, making it a practical choice for farms.
Environmental benefits
Kubota’s hydrogen tractor is an environmentally friendly option because its fuel cell produces only water vapor—no carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gases. The tractor is also more energy-efficient than combustion engines, using less fuel and producing fewer emissions from fuel production.
How to transform farming
The X Vehicle proves that technology can change the way in which people work in fields. With this tractor, farmers can:
- Save time and reduce physical effort.
- Increase productivity and efficiency.
- Protect the environment and reduce pollution.
- Work safely in difficult terrain.
The combination of autonomy, AI, and clean energy allows farmers to work in a smarter way, making it easier to maintain high output while caring for the planet.
So…
Now, you know about Kubota and its latest project, don’t you think it’s incredible? I mean, with innovations like this, the future of farming looks smarter, greener, and full of possibilities for everyone who loves the land. I’m sure we will continue witnessing these kinds of innovations in different sectors, am I right?