The Problem: Modern agriculture depends on commercial beekeepers transporting hives around the nation in order to pollinate crops. However, the collapse of bee colonies globally threatens a cornerstone of our society’s ability to create produce. Stress from commercial transportation reduces a hive’s immunoresponse, increasing the risk of Colony Collapse Disorder. Additionally, it’s common for up to 30% of bees to die due to exposure to the elements during transport.

The Solution: The TARPollen is a commercial hive transport cover designed to with both bees and beekeepers in mind. It has built-in ratchet straps and easy-to-use flaps that allow beekeepers/transporters to have quick hive access at state inspection points. The hives are protected several ways. The reflective exterior regulates solar heat, netted perforations allow heat from hives to escape while keeping bees inside, and the grooved interior dimples provide breathability and dampen wind turbulence.

Technologies: Rhino 3D modeling, Enscape rendering software.