AI and the bee business

AI is already transforming medicine. Looks like it will transform beekeeping, and with it, American agriculture.

“The US has observed a startling uptick in the number of die-offs since the mid-2000s as beekeepers have struggled to keep pace with the rise of disease-carrying mites, climate extremes and other stressors that can wipe out colonies. That’s endangering billions of dollars in crops from almonds to avocados that rely on the pollinators. This past year saw the worst colony losses on record. Beewise has raised nearly $170 million, including a $50 million Series D earlier this month, and it has a plan to change the industry.”

*snip*

 

“Ultimately, the fate of humans is tied to that of bees. Roughly 75% of crops require pollinators, with nuts and fruits particularly dependent. While other species of bees and insects can play a role, they can’t replace honeybees.

“There would essentially be no crop without the bees,” said Zac Ellis, the senior director of agronomy at OFI, a global food and ingredient seller.”

 

*snip*

 

“While a trained beekeeper can quickly look at a frame and assess its health, AI can do it even faster, as well as take in information on individual bees in the photos. Should AI spot a warning sign, such as a dearth of new larvae or the presence of mites, beekeepers will get an update on an app that a colony requires attention.”

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/robotic-hives-ai-lowering-risk-091621176.html

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