>
> Indeed:  "A solution looking for a problem."
>
> Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I don't share the pessimism with the
potential of this device.

The proof is entirely in the pudding. *If *the device can utilize AI to i)
determine varroa levels and monitor other disease levels, ii) selectively
apply varroacides on a frame by frame basis before it reaches an economic
threshold, iii) automate harvesting, and iv) automatically prevent swarming
(a feat that personally I don't think is possible, but theoretically
assuming it's true), it would be worth its weight in gold.

Everyone knows what kills the vast majority of colonies: varroa. And
everyone knows what they need to do: monitor mite levels and maintain
methods (YMMV on which ones) to keep it below an acceptable level. And yet,
most beekeepers don't. To some it's lack of knowledge, or perhaps
misapplication of facts, but I'd say not most. Some is lack of time and
resources. Some it's straight laziness. Which is why we get hive losses in
the 35-60% range.

If I could reduce hive losses from 45% to 15%, what is the value of that? A
colony costs, what $250 late in the winter? So reducing loss by 30% values
that at $75 per colony. If I normally "miss" one third of my colonies that
cast a swarm every year, and a package costs $150, that's another $50 per
colony. So if I can reduce both, I'm saving $125 per year. Then there is
the value of the labor in checking and harvesting colonies. I enjoy it,
sure. But there's value in my time there. Maybe I would spend 10 hours per
hive in harvesting, doing mite checks, treatments and swarm prevention. At
$25/hr (a bargain in my opinion) that saves $250 per year. Plus the $125
savings, for $375 in total savings. Not bad if it really does cost $180 per
colony per year. But again, if it works. That is, mind you, a BIG if.

But I don't think it isn't solving a problem. It may or may not work, and
it may or may not be more expensive than its savings, but it certainly has
potential. Personally I'd be more interested in the AI technology involved
in monitoring mite levels first. If I can get constant, real numbers on
that, with minimal time involvement on my end or disturbance to the colony,
I'd consider that alone to be a success.

I took a naval history class in college. In it I learned that by the early
1800's there had been very few advancements in naval warfare in the
previous 300 years. Advancements could have been made, and had in other
industrialized areas, but not in naval warfare. Still wooden sailing ships
and cannons. Because it worked. No one thought to try for more. Until two
iron steam ships battled each other in the US Civil war. Then everyone
realized the value of steel armor on ships, and steam engines. When it
changed, it changed rapidly, and I would say for the better. The same is
somewhat true with beehives. The technology hasn't really changed in 150
years. Largely because it works. Maybe it is due for an upgrade.

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