The connected hive: the bee under digital surveillance

Abstract

Anyone who has already opened a hive to discover the bees that inhabit it knows that bees make sounds, perform many tasks adapted to the needs of the colony, and that they live in a world rich in odours. Thus, the concept of observing these "traces of life" in real time and from a distance using electronic sensors is attracting many beekeepers or honey bee biologists. What are the advantages and limitations of using these new "connected hive" technologies? How can they contribute to better environmental monitoring? This article provides an update on the subject.