The genesis of Broodbox traces back to a meeting with Select Harvest, one of Australia’s leading almond producers, faced with the challenge of monitoring beehives without disruption. Our solution, harnessing thermal imaging and computer vision, not only solved the problem but also captured the interest of Agriculture Victoria, leading to our recognition as recipients of the Victorian Ag-Tech Innovation grant. We express our deepest gratitude to the Victorian taxpayers for their investment and the trust they have bestowed upon us in the early stage of product development.
However, the story of Broodbox doesn’t end there. We are more interested in exploring the essence of our creation, and the ambitions it nurtures as both a product and a service. In the often reflective journey of its development, we found ourselves pondering three existential queries: Why bees? Why commercial agriculture? Why computer intelligence? The answers to these questions have been evolving alongside Broodbox itself, shaped by our team, our customers, and the ever-changing landscape of our field.
Why bees
In the grand scheme of life on Earth, bees play a role far greater than commonly acknowledged. Often dismissed as mere honey makers, these tiny creatures are pivotal architects of our ecosystem, significant contributors to our food supply and continuity of life on earth. Our journey with bees unveiled a complex society marked by intricate social order, cognitive depth, and cooperative spirit. We learned to marvel at the subtle yet profound ways bees communicate – their waggle dance revealing secrets about distant pollen and nectar sources. In this light, Broodbox is more than a tool; it's a pledge to prioritize bee welfare in every facet of pollination.
Why commercial agriculture
Engaging with the domain of commercial agriculture reframed our perspectives. Often painted bleakly for its monocultures, chemical reliance, and water usage, this sector remains a divisive subject. Yet, the question we posed to ourselves was about the true essence and role of commercial agriculture in today's world. Is this the industry for which we should be crafting our innovations?
Convinced of its critical role in food security, poverty alleviation, resource optimization, and technological progression, we recognized the need for its evolution towards environmental sustainability. Embracing the imperative for improvements, we think, “The plates are broken in the hands of those who clean them.” Unfazed by the prospect of errors in our quest for a sustainable and forward-thinking agricultural paradigm, Broodbox stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing agricultural practices, a homage to the farmers and beekeepers who toil to fill our plates.
Why computer intelligence
We are believers in the transformative power of intelligent products, especially in preparing agriculture for a sustainable future. At the intersection of machine intelligence and human insight, we find immense potential. While the debate on the supremacy of machines over human intelligence continues, we focus on their harmonious collaboration. Broodbox is the embodiment of this synergy – a beacon of innovation in beehive monitoring and pollination management.
These questions will guide us into the future as much as they have done in the past. In the tapestry of innovation and progress, the narrative of Broodbox will continue to be unique.
Founder’s note
