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APIS Solutions, provides beekeeping operational management systems that use near real-time sensor data to help commercial beekeepers make informed decisions — increasing hive productivity and reducing operational costs.
Their latest product development challenge involved designing serval fit-for-purpose enclosures for sensors monitoring temperature, humidity, hive height, and more — all housed in rugged, solar-powered units capable of transmitting data via the One NZ Satellite (Starlink) network from remote locations across New Zealand, directly to the beekeeper’s desktop.
Idea's team led the design and development of the new enclosure system — from early-stage research and concept development through to engineering design, prototyping, water testing, and production-ready engineering.
Usability in the field was another key factor. Since beekeepers often wear gloves and protective gear, the user interface and setup process needed to be simple, intuitive, and reliable under real-world conditions.
Collaborating with APIS’s electronics team, suppliers, and manufacturing partners, we developed robust solution designs using plastic injection moulding, silicone seal moulding, and stainless steel fabrication, addressing key challenges in weatherproofing, integrating solar panels and batteries, and managing power connections and data transfer between the hive and the base unit.
This end-to-end process resulted in a durable, field-ready product tailored to the demands of commercial beekeeping — built through practical design, hands-on testing, and close collaboration.
Check out this One NZ YouTube clip featuring APIS Solutions here.
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