In collaboration with students from the University of Ljubljana’s Faculties of Electrical Engineering and Computer and Information Science, along with Erasmus international students, and supported by Anton Gradišek’s team at the Jožef Stefan Institute, we have developed an innovative sensor for monitoring solitary bee dwellings, or “bee hotels.”
This sensor uses machine learning to detect bee sounds and record environmental parameters, helping us assess urban health. Data is transmitted via an open LoRaWAN network to a cloud platform for researchers and nature enthusiasts. Wild bee species, vital pollinators in Slovenia and globally, ensure crop growth and biodiversity.
Wild bee
Why is it important?
To address the growing concerns about bee population declines. Bees play a critical role in pollination, which is essential for the production of many crops and the overall health of ecosystems. Traditional beekeeping methods can often miss early signs of problems such as disease, pests, or unfavourable environmental conditions. By leveraging technology, we aim to provide beekeepers with a powerful tool to monitor their hives more effectively and sustainably, ultimately contributing to the preservation and growth of bee populations.
Wild bees live in diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, meadows, deserts, and urban areas, often nesting in cavities, underground burrows, or within vegetation. Urban cities need wild bees because they play a crucial role in pollinating plants that is why? Building bee hotels an essential nesting sites for wild bees, promoting pollination and biodiversity. These structures support urban green spaces, aid local food production, and educate communities about the importance of bees in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By offering a safe habitat, bee hotels help sustain bee populations and contribute to a more resilient urban environment.
Buzzing Bee sensor
Buzzing Bee sensor
Machine Learning for Bee Sound Detection: Sensor utilizes machine learning algorithms specifically trained to detect and analyze bee sounds. This capability allows us to identify bee activity patterns, including flight patterns and hive sounds. By understanding these patterns, we can assess the health and activity levels of bee populations within urban environments.
Environmental Parameter Monitoring: In addition to bee sound detection, the sensor monitors key environmental parameters essential for bee health and habitat assessment. which include:
- Light Levels: Important for understanding foraging behavior and hive activity cycles.
Data Transmission and Accessibility
LoRaWAN Network Connectivity:
Data collected by the sensor is transmitted via an open LoRaWAN network. LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology enables low-power, long-distance communication ideal for IoT devices like ours. This network ensures that data from multiple sensors across urban areas can be efficiently gathered and transmitted to a centralized cloud platform.
Cloud Platform for Analysis:
Once transmitted, the data is stored and analyzed on a cloud platform accessible to researchers, urban planners, beekeepers, and nature enthusiasts. This platform provides real-time and historical data insights, facilitating informed decision-making regarding urban biodiversity management and conservation efforts.
Hardware Development Details:
The PCB includes an ESP32-PICO-MINI-02 microprocessor and Arduino support for firmware. It uses Energizer 1.5V AAA Lithium Batteries, designed with EasyEDA for robustness and compatibility using Inventor software. A detailed Bill of Materials ensures cost-effective procurement.
Data Integration with Thingsboard:
Integrating with Thingsboard, data from TTN is parsed into structured telemetry. This includes Battery Level, Humidity, Bee Count, Light Level, Movement, Temperature, Latitude, and Longitude for analysis and monitoring.
How the sensor connects
App
The final stage of the project involved developing an engaging mobile app aimed at educating users while fostering interest in natural conservation. Built with Android Studio and Kotlin, the app leverages Jetpack Compose for a modern UI experience.
The app gamifies the experience, inviting users to collect virtual “hives” through interaction
Hive map navigation reminiscent of the GeoCache concept. Users unlock hives using QR codes found at specific locations, gaining access to detailed hive data provided by our platform team. Progress tracking, user streaks, achievements, and badges add to the app’s immersive and educational appeal.
The Beenfo app
How temperature and humidity affect bees
The Senstick SMC30 (monitors outdoor microclimate conditions by collecting precise data on temperature, humidity, and air pressure) operates within a beehive by monitoring key environmental conditions crucial for bee health and hive management. It collects data on temperature, humidity, and air pressure, which are essential for maintaining optimal hive conditions
Measuring humidity and temperature is crucial for bees because it affects their health, behaviour, and ability to regulate hive temperature and humidity. Optimal humidity levels are essential for brood development and preventing mold growth on pollen and honey stores. Proper humidity also supports bees in maintaining their wax comb structure and overall hive stability, ensuring a healthy and productive bee colony.
Senstick SMC30 in a beehive
- Have a research or an RnD project in mind?
Senzemo works globally and we made over 30 partnerships since the beginning of our journey. We are always open to going even further, hunting for more use cases, and meeting new people in the IoT space.
We offer a comprehensive range of R&D services including prototyping, testing, consulting, and full-cycle product development tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Conduct R&D and pilot projects to test and validate products before launch. Use resources and strategies to minimize risks, validate assumptions, and gather insights.
We guide you through the entire process and ensure that projects have clear objectives, target markets, success metrics, data analysis, adaptability, and strong communication.
For R&D projects like this, talk to Blaž, our Project Manager.
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