*This is a translation of the original Japanese press release.
Tokyo, Japan – October 6, 2026 – SENSYN ROBOTICS, Inc. has launched full-scale operations for remote, real-time inspections using the "DJI Dock 3" automated takeoff and landing drone at the Hokkaido Refinery (Tomakomai City, Hokkaido) of Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd.
Following proof-of-concept (PoC) testing in 2024*1, full-scale operations commenced in the summer of 2025 with a framework designed to control and manage drones via SENSYN ROBOTICS' proprietary solution development platform, "SENSYN CORE"*2. This setup achieves automated drone operations within a secure domestic environment compliant with Idemitsu Kosan’s strict security requirements, promoting advanced and efficient inspection workflows in areas such as crude oil tank yards.
Background and Challenges
Refineries and industrial plant facilities span vast areas. Traditionally, equipment inspections—particularly in crude oil tank yards—have relied heavily on manual visual patrols. However, traversing these extensive areas requires significant time and labor. Additionally, facilities face challenges in ensuring worker safety when performing inspections at heights or in hazardous areas, alongside a shortage of skilled personnel. Consequently, expectations for automated drone patrols have risen sharply.
Conversely, worksites supporting critical energy infrastructure demand exceptionally high information security standards and domestic data management. In strict network security environments, implementing cloud-based control software that utilizes overseas data centers often poses a major barrier to adopting automated takeoff and landing drones.
Key Initiatives to Date
Both companies have advanced the integration of this technology into daily site operations through the following steps:
Proof of Concept (2024): Tested the effectiveness of remote real-time inspections in tank yards using the "DJI Dock 2" automated takeoff and landing drone, alongside technical validations within the refinery.
Full-Scale Implementation (2025): Deployed the state-of-the-art "DJI Dock 3" to the Hokkaido Refinery. Moving beyond the PoC stage, the system was incorporated into routine daily inspection workflows.
Enhancement via Proprietary Platform: Adopted "SENSYN CORE"—SENSYN ROBOTICS' proprietary solution development platform—to meet Idemitsu Kosan’s stringent security requirements, achieving data management and drone control within domestic data centers.
System Integration and Operational Features
The key highlight of this deployment is the integration between "SENSYN CORE" and "DJI Dock 3." By using "SENSYN CORE" as an alternative to "DJI FlightHub 2" (typically used for controlling DJI aircraft), the following operational framework has been established:
End-to-End Operations in a Secure Domestic Environment: The entire workflow—from automated takeoff/landing (scheduled patrols) and capturing (still images/videos) to automatic data transfer—is completed within a secure domestic infrastructure environment. Operations function without routing through overseas cloud services.
Automated Data Management and Remote Verification Workflows: Immediately after landing, captured data is automatically stored in the cloud-based "SENSYN CORE Datastore." By securely managing confidential site imagery and allowing inspectors to review and approve data instantly from their desktop PCs, the system simultaneously reduces workload and digitizes inspection records.
Database Creation for Future AI Analytics: The vast volume of acquired image data is stored not merely for archiving, but as fixed-point observation data of the same locations. While visual inspection remains the primary method today, this accumulating database will enhance value over time, laying the groundwork for future AI-driven degradation tracking and early anomaly detection.
Real-time flight video stream from "DJI Dock 3" integrated into "SENSYN CORE."
Captured data automatically linked to specific equipment within "SENSYN CORE Datastore" for streamlined data management.
Imagery of floating-roof tanks captured during routine patrols and saved in "SENSYN CORE Datastore."
Comment from Idemitsu Kosan's Hokkaido Refinery
"A key factor in our decision to adopt this solution was that SENSYN ROBOTICS' 'SENSYN CORE' enables drone flight control and data collection entirely within domestic data center environments, without routing through overseas data centers. Furthermore, during implementation, the SENSYN ROBOTICS team conducted repeated on-site verifications and adjustments, enabling a smooth operational rollout. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone at SENSYN ROBOTICS."
Future Outlook
Moving forward, both companies will continue to drive further operational efficiency and advanced inspection capabilities. Specifically, they aim to integrate AI analysis algorithms utilizing accumulated image data to automatically detect anomalies such as rust, corrosion, and oil leaks. Furthermore, taking the results at the Hokkaido Refinery as a model case, both companies will continue their efforts with a view to potentially expanding the initiative to other sites across the Idemitsu Kosan Group in the future.
Notes
*2 SENSYN CORE: SENSYN ROBOTICS' proprietary solution development platform. Composed of modular features such as robot control, data management, and AI analysis, its flexible combination enables rapid application development tailored to specific objectives, quickly improving field operations.
About SENSYN ROBOTICS
SENSYN ROBOTICS is a leading social infrastructure DX company with the mission of "evolving the 'natural' in society." We use the power of AI and data to solve the problems faced by society and businesses.
We solve issues such as labor shortages, safety risks, and rising costs that exist in the social and industrial infrastructure that supports Japan and the world with software solutions for data utilization that anyone can handle, making full use of the latest technologies, including AI.
Utilizing the know-how gained from a wealth of projects and our proprietary software development platform "SENSYN CORE," we provide comprehensive support from consulting to scenario formulation, business feasibility evaluation, technology and system development, and implementation in actual operations. We will help realize a sustainable future by solving social issues such as inspections of aging infrastructures, a declining workforce due to the falling birthrate and aging population, and increasingly severe disasters.
Head Office：4F Sumitomo Fudosan Oimachiekimae Building 1-28-1 Oi, Shinagawa-City, Tokyo Japan
Established：October, 2015
CEO：Takuya Kitamura
https://www.sensyn-robotics.com/en