Kubota Collaborates with Agtonomy to Promote Autonomous Operations on M5N Tractors
Kubota North America recently unveiled it is partnering with Agtonomy to commercialize autonomous operations on its diesel tractors for spraying and mowing. This announcement solidifies Kubota’s ongoing commitment to pioneering solutions for specialty crop growers — equipping them with smart technology that enhances efficiency, adaptability and productivity.
According to the press release, Kubota’s vision for autonomy includes integrating Agtonomy’s autonomous platform with the company’s AI-based crop insights and high-quality vehicles. Kubota said this initiative ensures the seamless adoption of autonomous solutions within existing diesel tractor and sprayer operations. The pairing of Kubota equipment and Agtonomy’s platform will help minimize infrastructure demands — by reducing pesticide use and addressing labor shortages — and maximize operational efficiencies for specialty agriculture customers.
“As demonstrated at CES, Kubota is dedicated to innovating solutions tailored to specialty crop growers, including those in wine grapes, nuts, citrus and berries,” said M. Brett McMickell, chief technology officer for Kubota North America. “Our working relationship with Agtonomy represents a significant milestone toward commercializing our vision for agricultural autonomy by merging our expertise and technology with Agtonomy’s autonomous platform, enabling growers to optimize their operations. We have chosen to partner with Agtonomy due to its proven technology, successful engagement with growers and shared commitment to working alongside customers for continuous feedback.”
From the press release:
The initial phase of this partnership will focus on integrating Agtonomy’s capabilities starting with Kubota’s popular M5N diesel tractor, widely utilized among grape, orchard and similar operations. The phased rollout will be introduced to select growers, coupled with Kubota dealer support to ensure seamless integration into the grower’s work loop.
“Partnering with Kubota, a global leader in agricultural equipment, is an exciting milestone for Agtonomy,” said Tim Bucher, CEO and co-founder of Agtonomy. “Together, we’re helping bring practical autonomy solutions to growers, accelerating the adoption of automation to improve efficiency, profitability, and sustainability on the farm.”
Kubota’s open innovation platform allows the company to collaborate with industry-leading partners, research institutions and universities to accelerate the development of transformative agricultural solutions. The company noted that its partnership with Agtonomy encourages meaningful advancements that anticipate the future needs of the global agricultural sector.
“This collaboration exemplifies Kubota’s commitment to open innovation, enabling us to anticipate and address the evolving needs of specialty crop farmers,” added McMickell. “By working closely with growers and incorporating their feedback, we will refine autonomous capabilities, enhancing multi-vehicle support, offering flexible autonomy options and delivering a Kubota-driven technology ecosystem that improves efficiency and field operations.”
Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.
