Key Takeaways
- Kubota reaffirmed its global vision to become an “Essentials Innovator for Supporting Life” at CES 2026.
- The company announced commercialization of an autonomous specialty tractor developed with Agtonomy.
- The company introduced a concept versatile platform robot and showcased digital twinning technology.
- The focus remains on addressing labor shortages, aging farmers, and productivity challenges.
- Customer choice and human-centric design were emphasized over automation alone.
Kubota Reiterates Global Vision At CES 2026
Kubota outlined its long-term strategy during a media briefing at CES 2026, reinforcing its ambition to become an Essentials Innovator for Supporting Life. The company stated that its mission centers on solving global challenges such as skilled labor shortages, an aging agricultural workforce, and the growing demand for food production.
Kubota emphasized its focus on delivering reliable, versatile, and intuitive equipment that improves productivity while supporting sustainability and enhancing quality of life.
Autonomous Specialty Tractor Commercialization At Kubota
Building on this vision, Kubota announced the commercialization of a smart, integrated autonomous solution developed in partnership with Agtonomy. The system is fully integrated into the 105.7-horsepower Kubota M5 Narrow diesel tractor, designed specifically for specialty crop operations.
The autonomous solution combines advanced sensing and artificial intelligence to support efficient field operations. According to Kubota, the platform is intended to deliver flexibility and reliability while enabling customers to work more efficiently in real-world agricultural environments.
Concept Robotics And Digital Twinning Technologies
Versatile Platform Robot And Real-Time Data Systems
At CES 2026, Kubota also introduced a concept versatile platform “transformer” robot, known as KVPR. The robot is designed to expand, contract, and move along multiple axes, offering the functionality of several machines within a single adaptable platform. Kubota stated that this approach supports use across different tasks, seasons, and operating conditions.
In addition, the company showcased a Digital Twinning system designed for real-time, persistent monitoring. The system can scale from tracking individual plants to managing entire agricultural operations, reflecting Kubota’s focus on compact, data-driven solutions that prioritize the human experience.
Leadership Perspectives On Physical AI And Human-Centric Design
Todd Stucke, General Manager of Agri Solutions Headquarters at Kubota Japan and President of Kubota North America, said the company’s approach is driven by customer needs rather than automation for its own sake. He noted that Kubota aims to rethink how work is performed to make it more intuitive and efficient.
Brett McMickell, Chief Technology Officer for Kubota North America, highlighted physical AI as a key inflection point for the industry. He said advancements in decision-making, obstacle detection, and voice recognition will enable real-time insights to support tasking, labor allocation, and operational efficiency.
Early Field Use And Customer Feedback
The company shared examples of early adoption, including collaboration with Treasury Wine Estates. Marc Di Pietra, Regional Service Maintenance Manager, said the company has deployed the Kubota M5 Narrow tractor for mowing and under-vine cultivation. According to Di Pietra, autonomous operation reduced rework and improved efficiency, allowing teams to focus on higher-value tasks.
Kubota’s Long-Term Innovation Approach
Kubota referenced its more than 130-year history of addressing societal challenges through engineering, from early water infrastructure projects in Japan to its role in developing compact tractors and excavators. The company stated that its open-platform approach and emphasis on flexibility are intended to accelerate the delivery of smarter, intuitive solutions.
Kubota concluded that its CES 2026 announcements reflect a broader strategy to design compact, human-centered technologies that support productivity while adapting to evolving agricultural and industrial needs.
