Bega Cheese taps AI to protect beehives

Bega Cheese has launched a network of smart beehives that can automatically detect parasites in a bid to safeguard Australian honey production. The Purple Hive Project uses 3D printed components to house 360 degree cameras that feed into an artificial intelligence algorithm that is capable of identifying healthy bees from those carrying the deadly varroa destructor mite. The solar-powered devices immediately send an alert to beekeepers to quarantine the affected hive to contain the spread of the mite, which has devastated bee colonies on every other continent. An initiative from Bega Cheese's B Honey brand, the devices can be fixed to existing beehives for round the clock monitoring at high-risk entry points to Australia, saving beekeepers from having to perform manual inspections. Unchecked infestations of varroa mites can cripple and even kill off entire hives within three to fours years, industry group BeeAware said.