Kubota, Agtonomy expand autonomous tractor pilot
Autonomous M5L tractors expected to be available in early 2027
Kubota North America is expanding its partnership with agricultural automation software provider Agtonomy to bring autonomous capabilities to its M5 Low Profile diesel tractor.
The expanded pilot will focus on automating spraying, mowing and underplant cultivation for orchard and nut growers, according to a Kubota release today. The M5 Low Profile (M5L)’s low-profile design and increased lift capacity will support additional applications, including sanitation mowing.
The expansion builds on their existing collaboration, with the M5L targeting orchard operations and the M5N designed for narrow-row applications. The companies expect autonomous M5L tractors to become available in early 2027.
The expanded partnership represents another step toward commercializing autonomous equipment for specialty agriculture, Don Lowe, senior director at Kubota Tractor, said in the release.
The technology helps growers maintain productivity amid skilled labor challenges, Agtonomy Chief Executive and co-founder Tim Bucher said in the release.
Kubota’s dealer network will help growers integrate the technology into existing diesel tractor operations, while feedback from pilot participants will guide further development, the company stated in the release.
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