The "RoboRoyale" project integrates artificial intelligence and micro-robotics to increase agricultural pollination via bee colonies
An international research team, including researchers from Turkey, the UK, the Czech Republic, and Austria, as part of the EU-funded "RoboRoyale" project, has unveiled an AI-powered robotic system aimed at increasing bee pollination activity to boost agricultural production efficiency. Participating in the project from Turkey is the Middle East Technical University, represented by the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Research and Technology Center (ROMER).
The core concept of the technology relies on regulating the entry of pollen grains into the hive in a controlled manner, as pollen is a primary source of protein for bee larvae. By reducing the amount of incoming pollen, worker bees are driven to undertake additional trips to collect pollen, which multiplies effective pollination processes between plants and contributes to enhancing agricultural crops and fruit formation.
Automated queen feeding and AI monitoring
Because reducing pollen intake could pose a risk to the health of the colony, the system relies on cameras and AI algorithms to track the queen's movement, feeding, and reproductive behavior with precision. In return, micro-robotic systems and micro-pumps provide fresh royal jelly directly to the queen, maintaining her vitality and health despite the protein restrictions imposed on the hive.
The researchers explained that the robotic and software system identifies the queen and calculates her position through image processing, allowing the robots to approach precisely to feed her without disturbing the worker bees, which achieves operational harmony within the hive.
What does this mean for users and the agricultural sector?
The practical value of this innovation lies in the possibility of achieving higher pollination rates using fewer bee colonies, which supports the sustainability of agricultural production and contributes to reducing food costs locally and globally. The details of this advanced technology were published in the prestigious scientific journal "Science Robotics," confirming the heavy reliance on AI algorithms in every step from monitoring hatching and counting to controlling feeding.