Kubota and Nvidia to develop autonomous tractors

Kubota has partnered with American chip manufacturer Nvidia to develop self-driving tractors. Using Nvidia’s graphics processing units, artificial intelligence and cameras, the tractors are to operate fully autonomously.

Kubota’s autonomous tractors are to provide a labour-saving solution, that is to help adress the shortage of workers in Japan’s agricultural industry, reports Nikkei Asia.

Also read: Precision farming to resurge Japanese agriculture

Nvidia GPU and AI

The Kubota tractors will be equipped with Nvidia graphics processing units (GPU) and artificial intelligence (AI), coupled with cameras to instantly process collected data. Nvidia’s GPU and AI will be adopted to minutely analyse weather data and crop conditions.

Kubota Agrirobo tractors

Kubota launched its Agrirobo line of tractors in 2017. These tractors can run autonomously using radar to ascertain surroundings. However, they do not use AI and therefore require human supervision.

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X tractor concept

In January 2020, Kubota demonstrated its "X tractor" concept. This futuristic model was presented at an exhibition for new products in Kyoto. This concept was equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and electrification technology. The so-called “dream tractor” is a completely autonomous tractor that is to represent the future of farming drawn by Kubota.

Now, it looks like Kubota’s concept is one step closer to becoming reality, thanks to the partnership with Nvidia.