Honey-Bee Localization Using an Energy Harvesting Device and Power Based Angle of Arrival Estimation

Abstract

A novel approach for real-time monitoring of honey-bees across their natural habitat is presented herein. We present a wearable device which scavenges energy from the bee's mechanical vibrations to power the transmission of location data while ensuring minimal physical hindrance. The geo-physical location of honey-bees is determined by implementing a compact and low weight scanning system that can be used with a stationary receiver or coupled to a movable receiver for tracking across the entire foraging range. This is achieved through the combination and synchronization of a RF detector, steer able microstrip array and a microcontroller to estimate angle of arrival using received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The present approach addresses the fundamental limitations of current telemetry systems in terms of cost and adverse size/weight impact over the bee foraging behavior.