Blue Innovation Announces "BEP-Line mini," a Compact Module for its Power Line Drone Inspection Solution "BEP-Line"

Blue Innovation Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Takayuki Kumada; hereinafter "Blue Innovation") has developed "BEP-Line mini," a new model that achieves miniaturization for its power line drone inspection solution "BEP-Line."

This product is an infrastructure inspection solution that addresses safety and efficiency challenges in power line inspection, and it is already in practical operation in the power industry. However, there was a strong demand from the field to "operate with a compact drone that is easy to carry even in mountainous areas." Developed in response to these on-site needs, "BEP-Line mini" achieves approximately 73% weight reduction compared to conventional models, enabling operation with small drones. This makes it possible to deploy the solution to sites such as mountainous areas where equipment transportation was previously difficult, significantly expanding the applicable range from approximately 1-20% to approximately 40% of conventional areas.

Furthermore, it simultaneously shortens inspection time and optimizes personnel, evolving power line inspection from "individual-dependent work" to "standardized data operation."

The actual unit of this product is scheduled to be unveiled for the first time at "Japan Drone 2026," to be held at Makuhari Messe in June 2026.

Image of power line drone inspection in mountainous areas, compact module "BEP-Line mini"

Challenges in Power Line Inspection and the Background of BEP-Line's Birth

Many of Japan's power infrastructure facilities were developed during the period of rapid economic growth, and the importance of regular inspections as a countermeasure against aging infrastructure is increasing year by year. Until now, power line inspection has mainly relied on labor-intensive methods, such as climbing steel towers, helicopter patrols, and visual checks from the ground.

These methods pose significant safety risks due to work at height, heavy workload, and cost challenges. In addition, power lines have a complex three-dimensional shape due to terrain and sag, requiring advanced piloting skills even when using drones, which led to new challenges such as variations in work quality and a shortage of skilled personnel.

BEP-Line is a solution developed to solve these challenges, specifically for power line inspection.

Technical Features of BEP-Line (Advanced and Unique)

BEP-Line combines a drone with a unique power line tracking control module to achieve automatic flight along power lines. By real-time measurement of the distance to the power line and maintaining a constant distance during automatic tracking flight, it enables stable and safe close-up inspections that previously depended on skilled pilots.

Furthermore, close-up photography with a high-resolution camera allows for the detection of subtle abnormalities that were difficult to confirm with conventional visual inspections. This simultaneously achieves standardization and reproducibility of inspections, as well as improved inspection quality.

Joint Development and Operational Track Record

This solution originated from a joint development with Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. and TEPCO Systems Corporation, and transitioned to practical operation after approximately three years of verification. Since then, it has undergone continuous improvements and has been continuously utilized for over four years since its practical operation began.

Currently, it has been introduced to multiple power companies, with over 20 implementation cases. These achievements establish this solution as a socially implemented technology integrated into the practical operations of power infrastructure, not just a demonstration phase.

Main Features of "BEP-Line mini"

As the operation of BEP-Line expanded, analysis of customer inquiries and requests revealed that the most common issue was "improved mobility," specifically the need to "operate with a compact unit that is easy to carry."

Analysis of all 49 inquiries received since June 2023 showed that this request was common among multiple branch offices and partner companies of power companies, indicating it was the highest priority issue on-site.

"BEP-Line mini" is a model developed based on these on-site needs, evolving into a "solution that can be fully utilized on-site" through miniaturization and weight reduction.

① Significant weight reduction of approximately 73% (750g → less than 200g)

Greatly improves portability, enabling deployment to sites that were previously difficult to access, such as mountainous and narrow areas.

② Compatibility with small drones

In addition to large drones (e.g., DJI Matrice 350), it can be operated with easy-to-handle, small, high-performance models (e.g., DJI Matrice 30), allowing for flexible inspection operations tailored to site conditions.

③ Expanded application sites (up to 4 times)

Extends the previously limited applicable range, enabling introduction to more sites.

④ High Return on Investment (ROI) and Safety

Optimizes the operational team from a conventional 3-person system to a 2-person system (eventually 1 person), and halves the inspection time per span (from 3 hours to 1.5 hours).