Rex Bryant posed good questions on automation in beekeeping.
 
I too am a beginner beekeeper and have thought a bit about this subject.
 
To assist me in lifting brood boxes and supers, I have bought a product
called BackSaver from a supplier in the USA. It has just been delivered and
I have not got around to using it yet.
 
I am not an engineer, but I have mentally conjured up a wheelbarrow fitted
with a tripod whereby hives can be lifted mechanically on to the wheelbarrow
for transporting to a truck or around the apiary.
 
It seems to me, that since many beekeepers are elderly (like myself), a bit
of mechanical assistance could avoid back damage.
 
I would imagine, that if a beekeeper strained his/her back, that the pursuit
of the hobby would be seriously impaired.
 
I look forward to possible development of this subject
 
Sincerely
 
Tom Barrett
49 South Park
Foxrock
Dublin 18
Ireland
 
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Location: Northern Hemisphere