Kubota is the latest to join the ‘autonomous’ tractor game after unveiling its futuristic “X tractor - cross tractor” concept.
The concept tractor, which has been termed the “Dream Tractor” by the company, was unveiled at a recent product exhibition in Japan to commemorate the company’s 130th anniversary.
Kubota’s “X tractor – cross tractor” concept tractor is a completely autonomous and 100 per cent electric tractor that’s equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). Kubota says the machine represents the future of farming
“Kubota will continue developing products to realize smart agriculture with cutting-edge technology to address the challenges facing Japanese farmers,” the company says.
A unique feature of the Kubota concept is its ability to alter its height when operating with different crops and locations. For example, the “X tractor” can change its contact area with the ground by lowering its height when necessary, ultimately lowering its centre of gravity. On the other hand, the concept tractor’s ground clearance height can be adjusted to operate above crops.
While Kubota says its in-wheel motor makes it possible to change the rotation speed of the four crawlers (front, rear, right, and left) to achieve a small turning radius.
The four-wheeled crawler concept tractor joins the other agricultural machinery giants like Case IH and John Deere to have showcased an autonomous tractor concept to the world.
See below, Kubota’s first concept tractor labelled the “Dream Tractor” which was exhibited at the 1970 Japan World Exposition. Quite the throwback.