As the global renewable energy market continues to grow rapidly, increasing attention is being placed on the safety, power generation efficiency, and long-term operation & maintenance (O&M) management of photovoltaic systems. IRUAV Technology Co., Ltd. (IRUAV) announced its official participation in the “FY2026 IST R&D FS Program Startup Research Consortium,” led by Japan’s System JD Co., Ltd. In collaboration with Kyushu University, Kita Nihon Sky Tech Co., Ltd., and beadspark, the project will jointly promote a feasibility study on a “High-Precision O&M Platform for Photovoltaic Power Plants Integrating Electrical Diagnostics and Drone-Based Image Diagnostics.”

This research project will combine IRUAV’s technological strengths in autonomous drone inspection, AI-based thermal image analysis, and cloud management platforms with the SOKODES GF electrical diagnostic device developed by System JD. Together, the project aims to establish an integrated intelligent Operation & Maintenance (O&M) platform covering “anomaly detection,” “cause identification,” “priority analysis,” “maintenance recommendations,” and “historical record management.”

IRUAV stated that current photovoltaic inspection practices worldwide still focus primarily on thermal image anomaly detection. However, fault cause identification, maintenance priority analysis, and follow-up management continue to rely heavily on human experience. Through this collaboration project, integrated technologies including AI analysis, expert review, and electrical diagnostics will be introduced to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of photovoltaic system O&M.

According to the research plan, IRUAV will be responsible for drone inspection operations, AI analysis, cloud platform development, and related requirement planning. IRUAV will also collaborate with Kyushu University to study the integration of imaging data, electrical diagnostic data, and cloud-based information systems.

This research will also address the needs of the Japanese market by developing requirements for multilingual reports, customized reporting formats, asset management, and insurance-related applications. In addition, future SaaS deployment and international market expansion strategies will be planned.

IRUAV pointed out that the future of smart solar O&M will go beyond simply “detecting anomalies.” Instead, it will evolve toward “rapid cause identification, reduction of power generation losses, enhancement of safety, and the establishment of long-term asset management mechanisms.” Through the integration of AI, drone technologies, and electrical diagnostics, a new generation of high value-added smart energy O&M service models can be realized.

In addition, IRUAV is also promoting a feasibility study on a “hybrid drone for solar inspection and firefighting applications.” The project aims to integrate thermal imaging recognition, autonomous flight control, and firefighting support technologies, enabling the drone to perform solar power inspections during normal operations and assist firefighting and safety applications during emergencies, thereby enhancing the resilience and safety of green energy infrastructure.

IRUAV stated that it will continue to strengthen collaboration with partners in Japan and around the world to advance AI-powered smart energy management, autonomous drone inspection technologies, and cloud-based SaaS platform development, helping the global photovoltaic industry move toward a safer, smarter, and more efficient future.

About IRUAV

IRUAV is a SaaS platform company specializing in Smart Solar O&M solutions. By integrating drone inspection, AI-based thermal image analysis, expert review, and cloud management platforms, IRUAV provides a one-stop solution for photovoltaic sites covering inspection, analysis, reporting, and operation & maintenance management. IRUAV APP supports multilingual and international deployment needs while continuously advancing smart energy management and ESG-related applications.