Not a beek, but I'm close friends with some, and might actually take the plunge this year.
This looks like a classic case of "automating the wrong way" and thinking in terms of agents instead of tools (force multipliers).
What beekeepers really benefit from are tools that let them do more work with less effort. Hive lifters are a perfect example [1]. The most popular design has a couple of mechanical flaws that can lead to buckling, and the hand winch is kind of a pain to use with really heavy supers. That's the real kind of innovation the field would benefit from.
Another is logistics. Schlepping around hive boxes, sugar water, tools, supplies, through loose farm mud, is a real hassle. Tractors are expensive and not really maneuverable. A "farm tug" would be crazy useful - something like an electric wheelbarrow (which exists) but a more generic/modular form factor.
This looks like a classic case of "automating the wrong way" and thinking in terms of agents instead of tools (force multipliers).
What beekeepers really benefit from are tools that let them do more work with less effort. Hive lifters are a perfect example [1]. The most popular design has a couple of mechanical flaws that can lead to buckling, and the hand winch is kind of a pain to use with really heavy supers. That's the real kind of innovation the field would benefit from.
Another is logistics. Schlepping around hive boxes, sugar water, tools, supplies, through loose farm mud, is a real hassle. Tractors are expensive and not really maneuverable. A "farm tug" would be crazy useful - something like an electric wheelbarrow (which exists) but a more generic/modular form factor.
1 - https://beehivelifters.com/product/beehive-lifter-manual-2-w...