Automated system and method for application of a beehive treatment

A method for application of a beehive treatment to a beehive, the method comprising steps of:

• providing an automated system having a movable carriage, a reservoir configured to hold the beehive treatment, the reservoir disposed on the movable carriage, a vision system disposed on the movable carriage and configured to detect an entrance of the beehive, an applicator system in fluid communication with the reservoir, the applicator system including an end effector configured to deliver the beehive treatment to the beehive through the entrance to the beehive, and a controller in communication with the movable carriage, the vision system, and the applicator system;
• moving, by the controller, the movable carriage to a position adjacent the beehive;
• detecting the entrance of the beehive with the vision system;
• moving, by the controller, the end effector of the applicator system to a position adjacent the entrance to the beehive;
• and
• delivering the beehive treatment to the beehive through the entrance to the beehive.

An automated system for application of a beehive treatment to a beehive, comprising:

• a movable carriage;
• a reservoir configured to hold the beehive treatment, the reservoir disposed on the movable carriage;
• a vision system disposed on the movable carriage and configured to detect an entrance of the beehive, wherein the vision system includes a camera, a light source, and an actuator configured to control an orientation of the camera, and the light source, wherein the actuator is in electrical communication with a controller;
• an applicator system in fluid communication with the reservoir, the applicator system including an end effector configured to deliver the beehive treatment to the beehive through the entrance to the beehive,
• wherein the end effector of the applicator system includes a nozzle configured for spraying of the beehive treatment, the reservoir in fluid communication with the nozzle of the applicator system through a fluid supply line,
• wherein the applicator system includes a manipulator for positioning the end effector of the applicator system, and wherein the manipulator is a multi-axis robotic arm, wherein the manipulator includes a fluid inlet and a valve, and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir, the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the end effector, and
• wherein the valve is disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, the valve configured to control a flow of the beehive treatment from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet;
• the controller in communication with the movable carriage, the vision system, and the applicator system, the controller configured to
• move the movable carriage to a position adjacent the beehive, wherein the movable carriage includes a plurality of wheels and a motor configured to drive the plurality of wheels, the controller in electrical communication with the motor and configured to control an operation of the motor,
• detect the entrance of the beehive with the vision system,
• move the end effector of the applicator system to a position adjacent the entrance to the beehive, and
• deliver the beehive treatment to the beehive through the entrance to the beehive;
• and
• a pump in fluid communication with the fluid supply line and in electrical communication with the controller, the controller configured to control an operation of the pump for the spraying of the beehive treatment via the nozzle, wherein the fluid supply line connects a fluid outlet of the reservoir to a fluid inlet of the end effector of the applicator system.