BeeLabs technology connects beehives and protects endangered bees
Bees are essential pollinators for crops and plants, but their numbers are declining worldwide. Using IoT, or Internet of Things, beekeepers can now remotely monitor hives to simplify management while collecting valuable data for research on protecting endangered bee populations. This requires a stable and reliable IoT connection.
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Why monitor beehives?
Bees are among the most important creatures on our planet, yet their existence is under threat. Most of the world's crops and flowering plants depend on bees as pollinators, making them essential for maintaining the biodiversity and ecosystems we rely on – especially for food production. But increased urbanization, intensive agriculture, and pesticide use are causing bee populations to decline globally. Data and research are critical to learning how to save them.
Smart beehives powered by IoT
BeeLab connects beehives across Sweden using Telia Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT). Their sensors measure each hive's weight, humidity, and temperature, providing vital data to understand colony health, honey production, population size, and the impact of external factors like weather. Sensor data is transmitted several times per hour from a gateway inside the hives to the cloud via Telia's NB-IoT network.
While beekeeping has existed for thousands of years, IoT is creating new opportunities for beekeepers to transform how they work – just as IoT has reshaped and advanced other industries. Traditionally, beekeepers had to physically visit their hives to inspect their condition and honey production status. They still do, but with real-time data, they can now also monitor hives remotely and act immediately when needed. By analyzing data over time, beekeepers can also become more proactive.
Because NB-IoT is designed to transmit small amounts of data at preset intervals, battery life for the sensors measuring the hives can be extended. The technology also reaches farther and deeper than traditional IoT connections, making it ideal for placement in beehives.
We needed the best connectivity, so Telia was the obvious choice for us. Many beehives are located in hard-to-reach rural areas, but with Telia NB-IoT, even the most remote hives can stay connected.
Better visibility for beekeepers, researchers, and authorities
BeeLab has connected the homes of millions of bees across Sweden. Beekeepers can access their data through the BeeLab app and gain insights that enable more proactive decisions and preventive maintenance of their hives. It's even possible to get an overview of all hives in a region or country, allowing researchers and authorities to track long-term changes. This also supports implementing measures to protect biodiversity and our future.
Value created through the Telia and BeeLab partnership:
Efficient workflows and real-time insights for beekeepers, with remote monitoring of key data for their colonies.
Access to valuable data for researchers and authorities that can be used to protect bee populations.
The wide reach of NB-IoT enables stable and reliable connectivity even in remote areas.
Low data transmission and long battery life simplify operations and management.
Scalable technology that enables expansion into new markets.