Compact 868 MHz RFID-Based Antenna for Queen Bee Identification and Location Inside Hives

The traditional method of identifying and locating queen bees within a hive involves laborious and time-consuming processes, such as visual inspections and paint marking on the thorax. In contrast, this work focuses on leveraging RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology to streamline this task. A compact antenna, intended for use in conjunction with a commercial transponder, is designed and manufactured. The dimensions of the antenna are 3.09 x 2.61 mm, making it suitable for placement on the thorax of a queen bee. This antenna provides sufficient range for the identification and location of queen bees from the exterior of hives, even in hives with maximum dimensions of approximately 54 cm. Measurement reveal that the antenna's range increases when located inside the hive compared to open space. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the antenna in locating queen bees is assessed by conducting extensive measurements within the honeycomb where the bee is situated.