Bee Var: Miniaturised Measurement and Spray System to treat Bee Populations for the Varroa Mite
Summary
The “BeeVar“-project develops a system, which sprays a treatment agent on bees at infested with mites. At the entrance of the beehive a camera analyses infestation and movement of the bees. Then, where appropriate, a shot through a micro nozzle is released. The system considers environmental parameters in order to ensure a desired and controlled treatment.
Project description
The “BeeVar“-project is a cooperation between the Microfab Services GmbH, the Cognitive Neuroinformatics Group and the IMSAS.
Aim of the project is to free bee populations from Varroa mites by spraying small amounts of acid on single infested bees. The Varroa mite is a great threat to the survival of bee populations in Europe and North America. The mites weaken growth of bee larvae and immune system of adult bees and spread viruses. The system to be developed in this project will be mounted at the entrance hole of the beehive. It recognizes infested bees and measures velocity and direction of the bee’s movement. Furthermore, environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and current acid concentration in the beehive are measured. Depending on the gathered sensor data a control valve opens to allow for the acid to flow though the nozzle.
From January 2020 - August 2022
This project was funded by the European Fonds for Regional Development (EFRE).
60-Sekunden-EFRE-Video about BeeVar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRGRycMHIJo
Partners:
CNI: http://www.cognitive-neuroinformatics.com
microfab: https://microfab.de/
Contact:
Thomas Schweizer, contact
Kai Burdorf (MCB-Transfer), contact
Prof. Michael Vellekoop, contact
