Kubota unveils intelligent tractor concept at CES 2024

As a first-time exhibitor at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 held last week in Las Vegas, Kubota made a splash with its New Agri Concept which represents the company’s vision for the future of farming.

The concept has a sleek and futuristic appearance and while mainly designed as a prime mover for farming tasks, Kubota said it is much more than just a tractor unit.

Kubota has set an ambitious timeline for the unit to be a reality on farms – six years from now in 2030 - when the company sees automation, electrification and artificial intelligence playing a huge role in all aspects of life.

Kubota’s concept machine, a fully electric and autonomous unit, can be used for applications such as spraying and tillage, but at the same time it collects data, monitors conditions in real time, identifies issues using AI, and makes decisions on-the-go without human intervention.

The vehicle has six independent drive motors and a standard three-point hitch that allow it to use many existing implements. Charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent can be done in less than six minutes, Kubota said, drastically reducing vehicle downtime. Electric drives enable quiet operation making the New Agri Concept easy to operate in residential settings or at night.

Related: Kubota's concept tractor is 100 per cent autonomous and electric

“I am excited to help unveil our New Agri Concept, which showcases our design philosophy and builds on Kubota’s long legacy of technology innovation for the betterment of society,” said Senior Technologist for Kubota North America, Brett McMickell.

“This concept vehicle displays the future potential of fusing digital and physical to provide complete solutions for our customers. Many technologies, such as AI, connectivity, and autonomy, need to come together in order to realize Kubota’s vision of providing solutions across the food value chain – from growers to consumers.

“Kubota provided more than a vision, but an invitation to be part of the future where technology works seamlessly with our customers to create a more sustainable and efficient society.” 

“Kubota is transforming from a trusted equipment provider into a solutions provider,” said newly appointed president of Kubota Tractor Corporation, Todd Stucke.

“We are well known in the compact equipment market for our versatility, durability, and reliability, and our machines have always been easy to own and easy to operate. Today, they’re evolving to be even more intuitive, putting data and AI directly in the hands of residential equipment owners to enhance their lives and make things easier, more productive, and more efficient.”