AI and robotics offer new defense against declining US bee populations for honey producers

To meet the annual American demand for over 600 million pounds of honey, significant imports are necessary, highlighting the strain on domestic production. This supply chain is threatened by the severe decline in bee health within the United States, where 50% of bee colonies face annual mortality due to threats like the Varroa mite and constant hive movement. In response to this crisis, Nate's Honey and Sweet Harvest Foods are integrating artificial intelligence into their operations. The companies are utilizing AI detection devices to actively monitor the acoustic signatures emitted by beehives. Furthermore, they have deployed a specialized robotic hive designed to assist in identifying the spread of mites. These technological implementations aim to bolster the health of bee populations, potentially helping the United States increase its domestic honey yield.