Description
HiveTech is a monitoring system for beekeepers that supports beehive management and increases honey production through the use of GPS-referenced data related to humidity, temperature, sound and weight. The data can be accessed through hardware now known as Hive-Tech Pro Version 2 and through apps. Use of the application requires the user to purchase the Hive-Tech hardware, featuring aluminium rods integrated with sensors and SIM technologies that are used to collect hive data. The user can then integrate their hives with the 3Bee system by following instructions in the app, thus allowing hive monitoring. Apiaries and the creation and management of hives are enhanced by the data visualization tools that record weight, internal and external temperatures, moisture and sound, supported by real-time weather forecasts, vocal recognition software for audio-note recording, calendar-based activity planning, and the ability to receive updates and alert notifications. The app also features a marketplace through which users can sell their honey at retail prices across Europe through the “Adopt a Hive” app. The app is freely accessible, however, the user must have purchased 3Bee’s hardware to access Hive-Tech.
Technology
Hive-Tech Pro Version 2 is a monitoring system that operates using sensor devices and IoT technologies linked to a web-based and mobile app available for PC, Android and iOS devices. The sensors operate based on GSM technologies, and transmit data to the desktop or mobile devices. Designed for global outdoor use, the system is equipped with a multi-operator SIM operating on the GSM network and solar-powered sensors that ensure efficient data collection. The system collects GPS-referenced data related to humidity, temperature, sounds and weight, and any variations are detected by two waterproof aluminium rails equipped with high-precision loadcells. The device is compatible with all types of beehives, and users can access data via the 3Bee APP/WEB-APP. Data is transmitted by the app twice a day, with adjustable transmission times. The user receives a notification once the data have been transmitted. An LED display provides real-time weight measurements, and the weather forecast feature on the device offers timely climatic updates. The product has a 2-year warranty, and can be integrated with Alexa Artificial Intelligence communication devices to gain immediate updates on honey production and hive conditions. On the technical side, the two rails measure 55 × 6 × 5 cm and 53 × 6 × 5 cm and weigh 1.25 kg each. The system’s weighing capacity can be increased up to 800 kg per hive. The system is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery and has a 3-month battery lifespan. Optimum functioning is available in temperatures of -20°C to +40 °C.
Target
3Bee’s targeted customers are beekeepers. The app aims to lower production costs and optimize working efficiency through the application of a beekeeper-centric business model that targets the resolution of problems that can arise. There are over 1400 beekeepers in the network, and 3Bee has sold over 3200 Hive-Tech devices.
Business model
Hive-Tech requires either the purchase or rental of its hardware to access its services on the app. The 3Bee app itself is free to download, however, Hive-Tech’s services can only be accessed by owners of the hardware. A single Hive-Tech Pro Version 2 device can be rented for EUR 119 per year, or purchased for EUR 975. The rental service is less costly. All purchases come with SIM and internet transmission included. After making a purchase, the user can access the app to set up their hive and register in the 3Bee system.
Impact
The intended benefits of this technology relate to the welfare status of beekeepers; the optimisation of honey production; the reduction of bee losses due to starvation; and the enhanced ability to move hives to the most profitable locations. According to 3Bee, the company has to date contributed to the protection of 120 million bees, enabling the pollination of nearly 72 billion flowers. The company has stated that beekeepers have seen a 300 percent improvement in productivity by minimizing losses and enhancing honey revenues. The core business regards the Bee-project facilitated through a growing network of the company’s app and Hive-Tech hardware, however, the grants and the CSR projects carried out with corporate entities have provided 3Bee, with the opportunity to develop new ideas targeting other farming sectors, such as livestock farming, harvesting or pollination.
Partners
NeN; Torvis; sobi; dAVINES; noverim; Unicredit; Carrefour; Ferrero; CA; Actimel
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
