The Rural Development Administration (RDA), together with Professor Changyeun Mo's research team at Kangwon National University, has developed the world's first AI-powered real-time detection device for the Varroa destructor¹⁾ (BeeSion²⁾). The device is designed to quickly and accurately diagnose Varroa mites, a leading cause of recurring honeybee colony losses in winter.

Last year alone, 62% of honeybee colonies collapsed in both Korea and the United States, reflecting a growing global concern of honeybee colony losses. Major contributing factors include Varroa mite infestations, the spread of related viruses, and increasing resistance to chemical treatment for pest control. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has designated the summer season when the mite reproduction is most active as an intensive control period.

However, detecting Varroa mites is extremely difficult, as they live inside hives and are most invisible to the naked eye, especially in high summer temperatures. Even experienced beekeepers may need more than 30 minutes to thoroughly inspect a single hive, and elderly farmers face challenges in detecting mites in the hot and humid field conditions.

To address this, the RDA has developed BeeSion, an AI-based device that photographs hive frame less than 30 seconds to automatically determine the presence of Varroa mites. The device can simultaneously analyze 16 different diseases and pests³⁾ such as chalk brood disease while also assessing growth data. Depending on the infection level, it also provides science-based pest control guidelines ranging from simple monitoring to intensive treatment.

With a detection accuracy rate of 97.8%, the device is designed for ease of use, allowing even novice or elderly beekeepers to make fast and reliable diagnosis. By identifying infestations and abnormalities early, BeeSion is expected to significantly reduce colony losses.

Applying the BeeSion device to a beekeeping farm with 150 hives is expected to increase annual income by approximately 8.6 million KRW and address labor shortages and reduce the misuse of chemical treatments.

The RDA has already filed a patent for the device and plans to transfer the technology to industry this year for commercial production. Following field demonstrations, BeeSion will be distributed nationwide to beekeepers starting in 2028.