Automated system for monitoring beehive health and detecting varroa mite infestation

Abstract

The invention relates to an automated system for beehive health monitoring and early detection of Varroa mite infestation. According to the invention, the system consists of a hardware subsystem and a software subsystem operating together to ensure data acquisition, processing and analysis in real time, where the hardware system comprises a central electronic device of raspberry Pi type configured to coordinate data acquisition and local processing, a high-resolution camera placed in a wooden box and optimized to take images of bees entering and leaving the hive, a temperature and humidity sensor meant to monitor environmental conditions near the beehive, a supply source and wireless connectivity modules ensuring autonomous operation and data transmission to Cloud, and the software system comprises an artificial intelligence algorithm based on the YOLOv8 model configured to detect Varroa mites by analyzing the images taken by the high-resolution camera, a data storage system, a web application optimized for mobile access, developed for real-time monitoring of data, image uploading for analysis purposes and issuance of notifications in case critical conditions or infestation risk are identified and an authentication and identity management module providing secure access to user’s data.