How TECO and J-Power Are Using AI Robots to Transform Geothermal Energy in Japan
TECO and J-Power Bring AI-Powered Robotics to Geothermal Energy in Japan
In a powerful demonstration of Japan’s digital transformation, Tohoku Enterprise Co., Ltd. (TECO) and J-Power (Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.) are advancing geothermal energy operations through the integration of autonomous robotics. Their deployment of Boston Dynamics’ robot dog, Spot, at the Onikobe Geothermal Power Plant in Miyagi Prefecture marks a significant milestone for maintenance innovation, workforce safety, and smart energy infrastructure.
Autonomous Missions that Improve Safety and Uptime
After a full rehabilitation, the Onikobe Geothermal Power Plant resumed operations in April 2023. To support continuous and safe monitoring, Spot now performs repeatable, autonomous missions across the facility.
As it navigates the plant, Spot:
-
Reads analog and digital instruments
-
Detects acoustic anomalies such as unusual vibrations or mechanical inconsistencies
-
Identifies potential oil leaks and overheating
-
Captures thermal imaging for preventative analysis
These tasks help identify issues early while reducing the need for human workers to enter high-risk environments — enabling a safer, more efficient maintenance process.
Setting a New Standard in AI-Driven Operations
The J-Power Digital Transformation Division, along with the outstanding team of on-site engineers at Onikobe, is setting a high standard for the future of robotics and AI in industrial safety.
By combining technical insight with cutting-edge robotics, the team is building a robust framework for automated inspections, predictive maintenance, and scalable deployment across other power facilities.
Their leadership demonstrates how utility-scale operations can integrate AI beyond innovation leading to create real, operational impact.
Safety, Sustainability, and Smarter Infrastructure
This collaboration between TECO and J-Power highlights a core belief: that sustainability and safety go hand in hand.
By embracing automation:
-
Fewer human operators are placed in risky situations
-
Maintenance teams can respond faster to faults
-
Energy infrastructure becomes more resilient and efficient
These outcomes contribute directly to global sustainability efforts by enabling cleaner operations and protecting people in demanding work environments.
See Spot in Action at Onikobe
<div style="text-align:center;"> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wJeq8yAh5Jc" title="Spot at Onikobe Geothermal Power Plant" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div>
TECO and Boston Dynamics: Driving Japan’s Robotics Revolution
As Boston Dynamics’ strategic partner in Japan, TECO is leading the charge to bring advanced robotics to industrial sites nationwide. From manufacturing floors to renewable energy facilities, TECO’s mission is to empower Japanese companies to leverage AI and robotics for safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations.
This partnership is paving the way for a new era of intelligent automation, where innovation directly supports both business performance and social impact.