By: Audrey K.
Year: 2023
School: Sierra Vista Middle
Grade: 7
Science Teacher: Amanda Durant
In recent years, the bee population has faced a serious threat due to the invasion of Murder Hornets, an invasive species that poses a significant risk to bee colonies. To address this pressing issue, a young innovator has developed a groundbreaking science project, BeeHappy, which employs cutting-edge AI-learning technology and a range of sensors, including those for temperature, humidity, and distance. The primary aim of this project is to protect bees and their hives by providing an efficient and accessible monitoring system that beekeepers can use remotely, enhancing their ability to safeguard these essential pollinators.
The declining bee population is a cause for concern around the world. Several factors contribute to this problem, including climate change and the invasive species known as Murder Hornets. When bees encounter an intruder, they exhibit an endothermic reaction, causing a rapid increase in temperature. Current monitoring systems are unable to provide an affordable and effective means of alerting beekeepers to potential threats or ensuring that hives maintain the ideal temperature range of 90-95°F and humidity levels between 50-60%. BeeHappy is designed to bridge this crucial gap.
The BeeHappy prototype was meticulously constructed using a combination of hardware and software components. An Arduino was employed to facilitate the monitoring of temperature and humidity, and a code was developed to display these readings on digital screens incorporated into a 3D-printed case. To enhance user experience, a mobile application was designed to display temperature and humidity readings in the form of graphs. This app features a unique color transition that alerts beekeepers when either the temperature surpasses 35°C or the humidity exceeds 65%. For added convenience, an alarm can be configured to notify users when the set thresholds are exceeded.
One of the project’s key features is the object detector, which has been programmed to identify the presence of objects and measure their distance from the hive. This real-time monitoring capability ensures that any potential threats are promptly detected, allowing for swift intervention if necessary.
One of the most impressive aspects of BeeHappy is its remarkable accuracy. The project’s temperature and humidity calculations consistently maintain an accuracy rate of over 98%, ensuring that beekeepers can rely on the data provided by the system. This high level of precision is crucial in maintaining optimal hive conditions and protecting bee colonies.
The BeeSion AI Detector, another integral part of the BeeHappy system, utilizes a Raspberry Pi for its operation. It is programmed to detect various animals and has been trained on a vast dataset consisting of 1,827 images to identify honey bees and their predators. This advanced AI system has the capability to live stream camera footage and display the readings on the user’s smartphone. Impressively, BeeSion maintains an accuracy rate of 94% in identifying potential threats, ensuring that beekeepers receive accurate and timely information.