ELEMENTS Launches 'AiQ PERMISSION' AI Refueling Monitoring System Nationwide, Becoming the First to Obtain Domestic Safety Certification

ELEMENTS Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takaaki Hasegawa; hereinafter 'ELEMENTS'), a provider of personal authentication and industry-specific problem-solving solutions using AI, announced that its AI automated refueling permission monitoring system for self-service gas stations (SS), 'AiQ PERMISSION', has become the first in Japan to obtain a 'Test Confirmation Certificate' in a test complying with related laws and regulations. The system is now available for sale to self-service gas stations nationwide.

By allowing AI to take over parts of the operations at SS stores, this system enables employees to shift to high-value-added tasks. It also supports the realization of even greater safety by preventing accidents and troubles caused by human error, underpinning the future of SS.

Background of the First Domestic 'Test Confirmation Certificate'

Compliance with Legal Regulations and Passing the Technical Conformity Confirmation Test
In 2024, during a demonstration experiment of the AI automated refueling permission monitoring system, 'AiQ PERMISSION' passed the technical standards conformity confirmation test for demonstration machines by the Hazardous Materials Safety Techniques Association (KHK), which is a condition for implementation. Since passing, demonstration experiments have continued at self-service gas stations.

Start of Test Confirmation for Conditionally Automated Control Systems by KHK
From April 1, 2026, KHK began test confirmation operations to verify that systems currently under demonstration experiments have properly structured operation and management systems suitable for practical use, and possess the specifications and functions required for monitoring systems using conditionally automated control devices.

Acquisition of 'Test Confirmation Certificate' and Start of Sales
'AiQ PERMISSION' recently passed this test using an implemented machine that complies with the revised related laws and regulations, becoming the first in Japan to acquire the 'Test Confirmation Certificate'. Sales have commenced for gas stations across Japan.

Overview of AI Automated Refueling Permission Monitoring System 'AiQ PERMISSION' / Patent No. 7584211, Patent No. 7648314
'AiQ PERMISSION' is a system that automates safety checks and the detection of inappropriate refueling at self-service gas stations by having AI analyze camera footage. Development started in 2018, and demonstration experiments are ongoing at multiple stores following the successful passing of the technical standards conformity confirmation test. The AI makes judgments based on camera images capturing the condition of the refueler and the car. If there are no risky behaviors, it grants refueling permission. If a risky behavior is detected, it issues a warning to employees or stops the refueling.

This system not only enables labor-saving at self-service gas stations and the shifting of employees to high-value-added tasks but also leads to further safety assurance by preventing accidents and troubles due to human error.

Benefits of Introducing 'AiQ PERMISSION'
1. Ensuring High Safety
'AiQ PERMISSION' continues to monitor even after granting refueling permission. For example, it continuously detects fire regardless of whether it is before or during refueling, ensuring higher safety than monitoring by humans alone.
Through demonstration experiments at multiple stores, it has been confirmed that the system can adapt to different types of stores, including various sizes, lane configurations, and camera installation conditions. Furthermore, in snowy areas...