The IoBee project is continuously working to reach more and more beekeepers around Europe, and this time it has arrived in Italy. During the latest version of the Apimell beekeeping congress in Piacenza, IoBee was able to share its most recent developments and listen to the opinions of Italian and other European beekeepers. Apimell is the largest beekeeping congress in Italy and expert beekeepers, researchers and beekeeping associations were present on its latest edition, March 2 and 3, 2019.
IoBee has marked its arrival in Italy by its participation to Apimell and by initiating field tests of its monitoring systems. First stage tests will better tune monitoring systems to detect small hive beetle, a problematic pest for bees. Not only will IoBee systems present the count to assess the presence of the pest but will also send immediate alarms when it is detected. This way, beekeepers will be able to act quickly and will even be able to avoid further infestations. Future tests will also include short and long migrations, monitoring the possible impacts of these practices on bees.
During Apimell, Dr Sandra Evans from project partner ARNIA presented the latest technological developments for beehive monitoring within the project. She even explained the surmounted challenges to develop a state-of-the-art bee counter, integrated into a full hive monitoring system that includes acoustic sensing, scales and weather monitors.
However, one of the highlights is the three-way disruption that IoBee is introducing to the beehive monitoring market. IoBee introduces in-hive monitoring, external sensing, and satellite mapping. With these three stages for a complete assessment of conditions for bees, IoBee is bringing Italian and European beekeepers a new way to understand their pollinators and their environment.
IoBee is working in collaboration with Italian beekeepers and the Italian beekeeping association, UNAAPI (Italian Union of Beekeeping Associations). Thanks to their support, the project is expanding its network of field testers and improving its developments thanks to the necessary feedback that only expert beekeepers can provide.
The Internet of Bees continues its work around Europe, and in collaboration with Italian beekeepers, the project’s ambitions to improve the health of bees continue to grow. Next stop for sharing with beekeepers and even further field tests, Romania, where monitoring is much needed to detect intoxication cases.