Novgorod scientists patented a system for a smart hive

The technological development allows remote real-time monitoring of the hive's condition and automates bee care processes

Scientists from Novgorod State University (NovSU) have received a patent for a system for a smart hive that remotely monitors its condition and automatically prevents theft and starvation of bees in winter, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation reported.

The monitoring system tracks temperature, humidity, weight, and location of the hive. The development allows the beekeeper to receive real-time information about the condition of the hive, as well as optimize bee care - for example, provide additional nutrition in the winter period
said the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

One of the authors of the development was Associate Professor of the Department of Production and Processing Technology of Agricultural Products, Tatyana Kondratyeva. She explained the principle of operation of the smart hive system.

A multifunctional sensor attached inside the hive reads the temperature, humidity, weight of the hive, and the sound activity of the bees. It measures the corresponding parameters to ensure an optimal microclimate, and the data obtained is transmitted to the base station. To maintain the temperature, the hive is equipped with heating elements, and sound analysis helps to identify signs of stress or swarming
Tatyana Kondratyeva, Associate Professor of the Department of Production and Processing Technology of Agricultural Products, Novgorod State University

Protection against theft is provided by a motion sensor with a GPS beacon attached to the inside of the hive, which tracks the location and is triggered when an unauthorized access attempt is made, instantly sending a notification via a mobile application. The autonomy of the system is provided by solar panels on the roof of the hive and a battery that allows it to work without sun for several weeks.

At the base of the hive is an automatic drinking bowl with 250 ml of syrup, which is enough for about a week. It is activated when the weight of the hive drops below a threshold value, providing the bees with additional nutrition in winter and preventing death from starvation.

According to the university, similar monitoring systems such as Beenalytics or "Apipuls" have more limited functionality and do not provide autonomous power, location tracking, or automatic service systems.

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Sources
TASS

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