Beewise Launches Autonomous Beekeeping Robot to Save Bees at Scale
July 28, 2021
Beewise, a startup dedicated to saving the world’s bee population, has launched Beehome, a smarthome for bees with an autonomous beekeeping robot that acts as a medic and guardian. The company said the Beehome is the first at-scale solution for saving the global bee population.
More than 30% of honeybee colonies are disappearing each year, the company said, with California at the epicenter of this crisis. The state produces more than a third of America’s vegetables, and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts.
Beehome is an autonomous, solar-powered beehive that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning and precision robotics. Using 24/7 monitoring and smart technology, the Beehome can significantly increase pollination capacity and honey production. The system can automatically detect threats to a honeybee colony, such as pesticides or the presence of parasites, and the robotic system responds by addressing the threat in real time, in the field. This around-the-clock surveillance and treatment requires no human intervention, and works to not just protect the honeybee population, but help it thrive.
“Every day that passes without a solution to the collapse of the global honeybee population increases the danger to global food supply,” said Saar Safra, CEO of Beewise. “Technology is our greatest ally because it allows us to address each of the complex and unique challenges that have contributed to the crisis. Beehome is a holistic solution that works with both speed and accuracy. And by deploying it in California, which comprises such a vital portion of the U.S. agricultural system, we can make an immediate impact on the entire ecosystem.”
The colony collapse of bees can be reduced by as much as 80%, while operational costs can be reduced by as much as 90%, Beewise said. As bees can be protected in their natural habitat from multiple environmental threats, pollination is strengthened and honey production is increased, bolstering the entire ecosystem, the company added.
Beewise said it plans to distribute thousands of the remote-controlled autonomous beehives across the state, with the goal of deploying tens of thousands over the next two years. For more details on the company and its offerings, visit its website here.
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