Cosmo Oil Launches Proof of Concept for Autonomous Equipment Inspection Using Quadruped Robot at Sakai Refinery

Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Katsushi Nishi, hereinafter "the Company") announces the launch of a Proof of Concept (PoC) for autonomous equipment inspection utilizing a quadruped robot, in collaboration with Tohoku Enterprise Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Yoichiro Naka). This initiative is part of the Company's efforts to advance digital transformation of its refineries and enhance maintenance capabilities. Field verification will be conducted in late May 2026 at the Company's Sakai Refinery (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture), where the robot will perform autonomous navigation and equipment data collection on a trial basis. Insights gained from this verification will be used to evaluate future applicability and identify challenges.

【Background of the Initiative】

This PoC is being implemented to further improve equipment reliability and ensure safer, more stable refinery operations. Many facilities at the refinery have been in operation for over 50 years, making the prevention of equipment failures due to aging a critical challenge. In response, the Company has been working to enhance equipment operation and predictive maintenance, and as part of these efforts, has begun evaluating the potential of quadruped robots.

Equipment inspections using quadruped robots are expected to improve efficiency and safety compared to traditional manual inspections. They may also enable early detection of anomalies that are difficult for human senses to identify and allow continuous, comprehensive monitoring of equipment conditions.

【Overview of Field Verification】

Equipment Used

One quadruped robot "Spot" (manufactured by Boston Dynamics, USA)

Location

Sakai Refinery, Wastewater Treatment Equipment Area

Main Verification Objectives

- Confirm feasibility of equipment inspection in real plant environments

- Validate accuracy of equipment condition monitoring using various sensors

- Identify challenges for practical robot deployment

Verification Period

May 24–28, 2026

【Future Outlook】

Based on insights from this PoC, the Company plans to gradually advance the evaluation of robot utilization in equipment inspection. Specifically, it will assess overall applicability by examining the stability of autonomous navigation, data acquisition accuracy, advanced anomaly detection through data analysis, and operational practicality in the field. The Company will also examine necessary safety measures for refinery deployment. After evaluating the effectiveness and benefits from the field verification, the Company will proceed with further consideration for future implementation.

【Digital Plant Initiative】

The Cosmo Energy Group has set forth stable energy supply and enhanced competitiveness as key goals in its long-term vision "Vision 2035." As part of this, Cosmo Oil is promoting high-efficiency operations through digital transformation of its refineries using AI and other digital technologies. In May 2024, the Company introduced a data integration platform across all three refineries, enabling centralized management of drawings, equipment inspection records, operational data, and maintenance plans. By analyzing and utilizing accumulated data with AI, the Company is accelerating predictive maintenance initiatives such as early anomaly detection and optimized maintenance planning. Additionally, the Company is implementing systems for centralized maintenance strategy management, constructing digital twins that replicate plants in virtual space, and providing remote maintenance support for refineries.

This PoC represents a significant step toward further advancing the digital plant initiative, contributing to enhanced safety and labor efficiency. The Company will continue to evaluate and explore on-site applications of quadruped robots as a solution to challenges posed by aging industrial infrastructure. Moving forward, it will continue to leverage digital technologies to ensure safe and stable refinery operations while strengthening competitiveness.