The robot quadruped "Spot" at the Onikobe geothermal power plant in Japan
In April 2023, J-Power resumed operations at the Onikobe facility after a multi-year rehabilitation effort. The plant’s control room is located separately from the main facility, which can delay response times when issues arise. To address this, J-Power introduced Spot in 2022 as part of its digital transformation initiative focused on smart safety practices. Spot conducts automated data collection, reducing workload, centralizing data management, and improving worker safety.
The video highlights Spot’s capabilities, including thermographic and acoustic analysis, as well as converting gauge readings into digital data. The robot can identify thermal irregularities in equipment, detect unusual vibrations or noises in pumps and pipes, and upload data to a cloud-based server for remote access. Spot operates autonomously, navigating pre-programmed routes and performing scheduled tasks to streamline maintenance processes.
Hitoshi Nakatomi, Director of the Onikobe Geothermal Power Plant, stated: “The robotic unit was named ‘Onippy’ by a first-grade student from the local Onikobe Elementary School.” This community engagement reflects the project’s integration with the local area.
Takashi Fuchi, Lead of the Spot program, said: “We plan to further enhance the capabilities of the Spot unit so that it can be used for remote education and training.” These improvements aim to expand the robot’s applications beyond maintenance, supporting educational outreach and workforce development.
Spot’s deployment at Onikobe demonstrates the potential of robotics to improve operational efficiency and safety in energy facilities. By automating data collection and monitoring, the technology minimizes the need for workers to access potentially hazardous areas, while the cloud-based system enables real-time analysis and decision-making. The initiative aligns with J-Power’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to enhance the reliability and sustainability of its geothermal energy operations.
The Onikobe geothermal power plant, with Spot’s assistance, continues to contribute to clean energy production in Miyagi Prefecture, showcasing how advanced technology can support both operational goals and community engagement in Japan’s energy sector.
