Sensor Development and System Intelligence for Smart Hive and Apiary Management

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Honeybees play a significant role in the Canadian economy for pollinating crops, producing valuable honey and medicinal products, and they also help sustain the natural lifecycle. One third of our food comes from the crops and vegetables produced by pollination with the help of bees, and one of the main crops requiring honeybee pollination is canola. Around the world, honeybees are facing significant challenges, and this has led to increased costs of production for food products. Major pressures include extreme weather, agricultural chemicals, reduced crop diversity, varroa mites and pathogens. A significant challenge and cost for the commercial apiary industry is that many hives are located in remote rural locations. This research project will develop technologies for the long distance monitoring and management of apiaries. The proposed research is distinct from other international efforts. Smart Frames are a main focus, which will enable the monitoring of hive conditions at specific locations within hive boxes, such as honey production, bee activity, and temperature. They will also offer the ability to control temperature locally on each frame. Local targeted thermal control will be explored to supplement regulation of hive temperature, and as a method of varroa mite control that is less disruptive to colony growth and development, and less labour intensive than existing methods. An intelligent software platform will be developed that will incorporate and analyze hive sensor data. The technologies developed in this CRD research project will enable a leading platform for the remote interaction and automated management of apiaries. This platform represents a strategic technology effort for both of our industry partners Function Four and Durston Honey Farms, who will collaborate closely on the technology development and its application in a commercial apiary. The potential for significant economic benefit (both in manpower and time) to apiarists is apparent, enabled by reducing the need for physical inspection and management of hives, and potential improved health of apiaries.