Types of Smart Devices Used for Beekeeping, their Development and Possible Perspectives. An Overview
Keywords:
colony health, hive monitoring, honeybees, sensor technologyAbstract
Honeybees are the most known managed social insect species with tremendous contributions to humankind. It is also a highly studied species. Despite extensive research, significant gaps remain in understanding its natural behaviour and survival mechanisms, particularly in the face of anthropogenic stressors such as climate change and intensive agricultural practices. In recent decades, advancements in digital monitoring technologies have facilitated real-time surveillance of colony health and behaviour, offering critical insights for improving hive productivity and reducing mortality. Modern sensor-based systems enable the continuous measurement of key hive parameters, with real-time data transmission to analytical platforms for in-depth processing. These non-invasive and cost-effective monitoring solutions have gained widespread adoption, providing beekeepers and researchers with unprecedented access to colony dynamics. This study presents a comprehensive review of current hive-monitoring technologies, evaluating their applications in assessing honeybee health, behaviour, and productivity. By leveraging these innovations, researchers can refine apicultural practices and develop strategies to enhance colony resilience in a rapidly changing environment.
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