Kubota’s all-terrain robot wins Best of Innovation at CES Innovation Awards 2025
The compact Kubota KATR is recognized for excellence in engineering and versatility in agriculture and construction
Kubota North America has earned the Best of Innovation title by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) as part of the CES Innovation Awards 2025, which will take place from January 7 to January 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award recognizes the Kubota KATR, a compact, four-wheeled robot. Designed with a stable cargo deck platform with stability control features, the Kubota KATR can conduct work in demanding off-road agricultural and construction work environments, including hills and slopes.
Kubota's robot was named the best in the Industrial Equipment and Machinery category by a panel of industry experts, including media professionals, designers, engineers, and others. The judges evaluated submissions based on innovation, engineering, and functionality, as well as aesthetics and design.
"At Kubota, we have a long-standing philosophy that our products must be technically excellent, be productive and enjoyable for our customers, and also ensure the sustainability of limited resources. Ultimately, our goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals and society," said Brett McMickell, chief technology officer at Kubota North America. "Given the versatility of the KATR, it has a wide range of applications specifically designed to enhance productivity in the agriculture and construction sectors."
The compact KATR has an innovative design for agriculture and construction
The Kubota all-terrain KATR is a four-wheeled multifunctional robot designed with advanced stability control that adjusts the robot's four legs to maintain a level cargo deck enabling it to operate with a stable platform on uneven and sloped terrain, making it an ideal solution for agriculture and construction environments.
The KATR's innovative combination of real-time stability control, robust construction, and versatile operation distinguishes it as a pioneering solution with a compact, yet robust design, the first of its kind to be practically applied in demanding off-road applications.
A proprietary algorithm processes sensor data in real-time, then commands the robot's four hydraulically actuated legs to extend or retract to maintain the platform stability. Additionally, four independent motors provide robust all-terrain capability to navigate over challenging environments.
The KATR can be powered by either an electric or combustion engine, reflecting Kubota's commitment to customer choice without compromise. With innovative steering capability and a load capacity of 284 pounds (129 kilograms), the KATR can be controlled either remotely or via an onboard controller.
