You’ve probably never seen a vehicle like this before. And considering that CES is one of the biggest trade shows in the world to display “concept” technology, it’s not likely you’ll see these in food production areas any time soon. Still, that doesn’t mean the New Agri Concept from Kubota North America isn’t something to marvel over!
The New Agri Concept — a fully electric, multi-purpose vehicle — was released an immersive video illustrating Kubota’s vision for bringing autonomous technology and AI together to provide solutions for a residential or small-acreage grower. Key technologies highlighted in the video include: automatic data collection, real-time monitoring, AI identifying potential issues, automation addressing labor challenges, water management automation, and a data platform enhancing productivity.
To say that it has space-age styling is an understatement. The reveal is intended to highlight the brand’s 2030 vision and holistic approach to innovation and technology integration.
Company leaders from around the world came together to provide CES 2024 attendees with a look into the future for its next generation of equipment that the company hopes will seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence, automation, and electrification.
The fully electric New Agri Concept is designed for flexibility and to support a wide range of tasks. The vehicle’s six independent drive motors and a standard three-point hitch allow it to use many existing implements for common operations including mowing and tilling. Fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in less than six minutes enables flexibility by not constraining customers with long charge times, reduces vehicle downtime, and allows the vehicle to quickly get back to work when in operation. Electric drives enable quiet operation making the New Agri Concept easy to operate in residential settings or at night.
“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, as shown in the immersive video, 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.”
This is an intriguing leap for a company is best known for its orange compact equipment operating on farms and ranches, commercial and residential properties, and construction sites across the continent.
Kubota North America says it is continuing to expand, building new facilities that bring more jobs to advanced manufacturing, and growing its footprint of innovation centers, research and development, and equipment testing sites in the U.S.