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 e mail: [log in to unmask] Location: Northern Hemisphere