Intel moves to rescue the bees! – Money.pl

2015-08-27 11:37

Author: Thomas Domanski

The experts are sounding the alarm. The world’s bee population is falling, and the existing colonies are threatened with extinction. It’s a big problem, especially if we take into account the fact that bees are responsible for pollinating one-third of the crop. Research on bee health has been underway for years, but thanks to the cooperation of Intel and CSIRO, the Australian government agency specializing in research, they can gain momentum. Based on Intel technology created a special system that allows you to monitor the behavior of insects and analysis of the environment in which they live. The heart of the system is a miniature Intel platform Edison and sensors so small that they easily fit on the back of the bees.

Technology Intel will play a key role in monitoring the health of bees, which for several years now vexes scientists throughout the world. The system is based on a miniature Intel Edison, slightly larger than a postage stamp.

A miniature computer designed by Intel to be placed inside the hive. Microsensors but will be on the backs of bees living in the street. Communication between the platform Intel Edison and the sensors will be based on RFID – technology that uses data transmission radio waves. Data from the microcontroller placed on insects are captured when approaching a bee to Intel Edison. The platform will also collect and analyze data from the environment, including air temperature and humidity and solar radiation. Intel Platform Edison, included with mikroczujnikami, will be distributed by CSIRO partners from around the world under the Global Initiative for Honey Bee Health (GIHH).

The information gathered through the Intel Edison placed in the hive are sent to the site CSIRO Data Access Portal. On this basis, the researchers build 3D models visualize the movement of bees in their environment and track the responses of insects to stressors, including pesticides and water pollution.

This methodology has already been implemented by the CSIRO in Hobart in Tasmania, where microcontrollers placed on the backs of 10 000 bees. Currently, the Australian organization is looking for the next centers, which will be able to cooperate.

– All over the world are dying bee colonies and still can not clearly determine the causes – says Professor Paulo de Souza of CSIRO . – Due to the global nature of this problem we recognized the need to develop a methodology that will be simple to implement for every scientist. In this way we can compare data from all over the world and jointly explore the health of bees. This united effort is a fantastic example of the functionality of the Internet of Things – adds Paulo de Souza.

The project implemented by Intel in collaboration with CSIRO is one of evidence, as formulated in 1965 entitled Moore can be used for the development of science.

– Gordon Moore, one of the founders of Intel, said that every year the number of transistors on a computer chip will double. This forecast has become a driving force not only for the development of industry, but also for research . – Says David Mellers with Intel Technology. – Thus, the implemented solutions are not only achieve from the perspective of technology, but also increase the economic value and social – he added.