Beecon

NECTAR

Design of a Beecon device to be placed inside a beehive in order to record and transmit its vital signs.

Taking its place at the heart of an ecosystem of agtech products, the Beecon is a receiver that collects data regarding certain indicators of beehive health: humidity, temperature, vibration, and sound.

The data is then transmitted and interpreted to provide beekeepers with information on the state of their beehives and bees.

An app was developed by Nectar in parallel to the device to allow users to view and analyze the data transmitted by the Beecons. The information is processed in real time and can be presented as an overall view or by individual beehive.

Before the product was designed, a phase 0 strategy was implemented to ensure that the object’s design would meet beekeepers’ needs. In order to promote product acceptance, the product needed to be adapted to their work environment.

Working sessions allowed us to accurately evaluate the beekeeper’s persona as well as the typical user journey.

Beehives are paired with Beecons using an RFID tag.

Beekeepers work in difficult conditions with restrictive equipment, which attenuates the senses. To notify the user that the connection has been established, the Beecon emits a LED signal, a sound and a vibration.

The Beecon’s anchoring system ingeniously uses the battery’s volume to attach to the internal framework of the hive.

The LED indicator remains visible through the casing, allowing users to confirm the pairing.

The use of Porex membrane ensures that humidity passes through while keeping the Beecon waterproof.A gasket has also been added. Its vivid colour helps users spot the Beecon, which will often be covered in wax and propolis.

The battery lasts about one year. Thanks to an induction charging system, the beekeeper can recharge all his Beecons at the end of the season.

One of the keys of the Beecon’s operation is its fastening. Many finite element analyses were carried out and many prototypes were created in order to ensure a system that would be durable and effective under the difficult conditions of beekeeping.

The global ecosystem of Nectar products has been developed to respect the bees and their environment.

The Beecon facilitates beekeeping work and never interferes with the work of the bees.

For more information

Manuel Léveillé

CREATIVE LEAD / SENIOR INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER

Mélody Sue Myette

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Hire Us Contact Us

Share this project

Facebook Twitter Email

Related services

Physical and digital design

Giving form to your product vision to ensure an optimal and comprehensive user experience.