Development of a rotating frame smart beehive

As part of its development project implemented under the 2021-1.1.4-GYORSÍTÓSÁV grant, Okoskaptár Kft. has developed a unique Industry 4.0-based smart hive system that offers an epoch-making solution to the problem of global bee mortality. The aim of the project was to create a new beekeeping technology that supports the health and survival of bee colonies with automatic, digital tools, while reducing the use of chemicals and increasing pollination efficiency. The development resulted in a grid-ring frame, rotatable hive structure that uses a mechanical principle to prevent the reproduction of Varroa mites without the use of chemicals. An automatic feeding, water supply and ventilation system integrated into the hive ensures that bee colonies remain viable even in adverse weather conditions. The system is complemented by a digital hive scale, sound and temperature sensors, and a central control unit that monitors the condition of the hive and its environment in real time and intervenes automatically if necessary. The technology is based on a cloud-based communication platform that provides remote monitoring and data-driven decision-making for beekeepers. What makes the system unique is that it not only operates but also evaluates the condition of bee colonies, enabling timely and targeted interventions. The patents underlying the solution protect the smart hive technology internationally, meaning that Okoskaptár Kft. has exclusive rights to use the system in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and EU markets. The project has resulted in an innovative, marketable product that is also available in a SaaS model (rental scheme), enabling both small and large-scale beekeepers to switch to digital beekeeping. The development represents a significant step forward for the domestic and international beekeeping sector, not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of business and sustainability. The aim of the Okoskaptár development project was to create an intelligent, automated beehive technology that could help curb global bee mortality while bringing technological renewal to the beekeeping sector. The development was organized around two main technological pillars: (1) the design of a cylindrical hive structure with a grid ring frame and (2) the development of an automated control and communication system. During the project, technical and professional results were achieved along three main development milestones. Milestone 1 – Development of internal hive and mechanical innovations: In the first phase of the project, a prototype of the cylindrical hive was developed based on previous patents. The most important task was to construct grid ring nest frames that complied with the geometric parameters specified in the patent. Automated nest rotation was introduced into the hive structure, which disrupts the reproduction of Varroa mites through physical displacement. The modular structure of the cylindrical nest allows for the creation of a nest structure made of natural beeswax, optimized for biodynamic vibration. A further development was the combined hive gate, which ensures the controlled movement of bees and also removes mites. The hive's water and feed supply was also built in to ensure controlled operation. Milestone 2 – Development of control electronics and Industry 4.0 remote monitoring system: In the second phase, we developed microelectronic and sensor-based control for the smart hive. This system measures the weight, temperature, and humidity of the hives, records sound samples, and collects data on environmental conditions. The sensor network and control unit are capable of autonomously controlling the opening of the entrances, the rotation of the nest, heating, and feeding. The system communicates via a cloud-based platform, providing beekeepers with remote monitoring and intervention capabilities. During development, low energy consumption and up to 6 weeks of operation without external power supply were key considerations. Milestone 3 – Finalization, testing, and fine-tuning of the prototype: During the third milestone, the physical assembly of the system prototype, testing of its operation, and functional integration between the individual modules were carried out. Based on feedback from practical trials, modifications were made to the detection of mother protection, the closing protocols of the exits, the regulation of water and nutrient supply, and the stability of sensor data transmission. In addition, special attention was paid to ensuring that the bees did not build into the functional elements. In the final stage of the development process, we began preparing the marketable end product, including finalizing the device documentation, operating protocols, system architectures, and grant accounts. The project resulted in a novel beekeeping system that uses mechanical and information and communication tools to reduce the risk of bee mortality, enables chemical-free mite control, and lays the foundation for a new direction in beekeeping digitalization. Based on the experience gained during the development work and the test results, the solution is likely to attract significant interest not only on the domestic market but also on international markets.

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