On September 10, 2018, J-Power announced that it had jointly filed a patent application with the Okayama University of Science for an autonomous camera technology to monitor and inspect energy infrastructure facilities, using drones. A camera-equipped drone automatically plans a flight route and approaches transmission facilities, such as steel transmission towers and transmission lines, and takes photographs of the targeted objects. The technology combines flight control, avoidance control, and high-speed image processing, aiming to significantly improve the safety and the quality of inspection work, as well as reducing the risk of field workers at high elevations. In addition, the drone’s operational status, such as its location, altitude, and flight state, can be monitored through the wireless network. In cases when the drone detects a failure or problems at the facilities, it also records images along with the location. The technology is expected to be fully commercialized in FY 2019.