Agtech startup Beewise has debuted its AI-enabled and fully autonomous beehives in California. Called Beehome, the hives hope to play a part in protecting the global food supply chain and combatting climate change. Beehome comes with a beekeeping robot that serves as a medic and a guardian to complement the natural processes of the colony. The solar-powered hive uses AI, machine learning, and precision robotics to rescue bees, increase pollination capacity, and augment honey production. It even includes an automated honey harvesting system and can apply pesticides when a hive is exposed to parasites. One Beehome can house 24 colonies and approximately a total of 1 to 2 million bees. Beewise plans to distribute tens of thousands of Beehomes across the U.S. within the next two years.
Zoom Out: Due to disease, pesticides, and climate change, bees are dying at a rate of 40% annually. Honey bees are vital to maintaining ecosystems. Globally there are more honey bees than any other type of bees and pollinating insects, which makes them the world's most important pollinator of food crops. One-third of the food we consume each day relies mainly on pollination by honey bees. To protect bees is to safeguard the future of humanity. The Beewise Beehome was among Time magazine's 100 groundbreaking inventions for 2020.
