Smart Hives: AI and laser technology for pest control in beehives

We are looking for PhD candidates at the University of Auckland - Department of Physics, to work on an exciting project: Smart Hives: AI and laser technology for pest control in beehives.

The overall project aim is to build an innovative photonic device including a monitoring system and laser irradiation module to detect and eliminate invertebrate pests at hive entrance without using pesticides, thus saving bee colonies from collapse.

The candidate will be working on the following topics:

1. Development of computer vision algorithms to:

• Detect, target and irradiate Varroa mites attached to bees;

• Detect and laser eliminate other pests threating beehives;

• Provide information on bee activity, health and behaviour.

2. Optimization of the detection hardware in terms of resolution, speed and performance, and integration with the laser system to effectively eliminate Varroa mite(s) and other pests without harming bees.

The candidate will be working in a multidisciplinary team with Physicists, Engineers, Computer Scientists, Chemists and collaborating with the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences who will be providing access to the resources needed.

Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree with honours or master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or related fields;

- Experience in Python or Matlab programming language or similar.

Please submit any expression of interest along with a CV and academic transcripts to:

Dr. Francesco Merola: francesco.merola@auckland.ac.nz