NSTU’s PcheloBYTE: A Smart Hive Tracking System for North American Beekeeping

Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) has introduced an online hive tracking system named PcheloBYTE, a development shared with readers of socialbites.ca. The project blends smart hardware with a companion software layer, creating a practical tool for beekeepers who manage colonies from farm fields to urban apiaries across Canada and the United States. NSTU researchers describe PcheloBYTE as a system that links a compact device installed inside each hive with a mobile app used by the apiary owner. The goal is to provide real-time insight into the hive environment, enabling proactive decisions that support colony health and productivity. The device continuously gathers data from the hive’s internal atmosphere, vibrations, and acoustic signals, then filters this information through algorithms designed to distinguish normal activity from potential alerts. In moments when the data suggest unusual activity or stress within a colony, the system triggers a notification to the beekeeper, delivering clear guidance on the next steps to take. This setup empowers beekeepers to monitor multiple hives remotely, reducing the need for daily on-site visits and improving response times to developing issues across the apiary network.