Scentinel

Ce qu'il fait

Scentinel is a smart, dual-response system that protects hives by detecting pest frequencies and releasing peppermint spray to deter them. It also calms stressed bees with lemongrass scent, offering a non-invasive, sustainable way to support colony health.

Votre source d'inspiration

Bees are responsible for nearly 80% of all insect pollination, playing a crucial role in the reproduction of flowering plants and the production of roughly 35% of the food we consume. Yet, their populations are in alarming decline. Among the many threats they face, predatory insects like wasps and hornets pose a serious danger to hive health. Scentinel combats this threat by combining intelligent frequency-based detection with eco-friendly repellents, offering a sustainable, non-invasive way to protect one of nature’s most essential species.

Comment ça marche

Scentinel utilises real-time frequency analysis to monitor the area around a beehive, identifying the distinct wingbeat signatures of wasps, hornets, and other predatory insects. Research and testing have demonstrated that bees and wasps vibrate at different frequencies, enabling the system to accurately distinguish between them. Upon detecting a wasp or hornet, the device automatically triggers the release of a peppermint-based repellent spray, which safely deters intruders without affecting the bees. Furthermore, Scentinel detects elevated wingbeat frequencies associated with stressed bees and responds by dispersing a calming lemongrass scent to help maintain colony stability. This precise acoustic detection combined with targeted scent diffusion ensures effective hive protection with minimal disturbance.

Processus de conception

The design process began with user research, including beekeeper interviews and hive visits, where we found that protecting bees from pest such as wasps and hornets is a major challenge with few effective solutions. This led to several ideation stages exploring trapping, hive guards, and more. We selected our final idea, Scentinel, for its ethical, non-invasive approach. We created initial prototypes to test spray mechanisms, size, shape, and mounting methods. Later iterations added user focussed features such as tool-free refill access, LED alerts, and a hive monitoring app. The final product was tested at Bee Urban’s beehives and proved effective, durable, and easy to use.

En quoi est-il différent ?

Scentinel stands out as the first smart diffuser specifically designed for beekeeping. Unlike standard pest repellents, it uses frequency detection to monitor bee and pest activity and automatically releases natural lemongrass and peppermint scents. Most existing solutions rely on passive or chemical methods, but Scentinel offers protection with minimal beekeeper intervention. The device is compatible with a user-friendly app that provides alerts, scent levels, battery status, and pest activity history. It’s also sustainably designed, using locally sourced materials, low-emission manufacturing, and refillable scent bottles, making it a sustainable alternative to existing solutions.

Plans pour l'avenir

The next steps for Scentinel include further testing across a variety of UK hives to refine performance and user experience. We have developed product packaging and a detailed user guide for commercial rollout, considering battery life and weatherproofing to ensure effective operation. We plan to move to production and seek partnerships with beekeeping groups and eco-retailers. We’re also considering a refill subscription model. Long term, we aim to establish Scentinel as a trusted sustainable pest management tool, supporting beekeepers and protecting pollinators on a larger scale.

Récompenses

Imperial College Design Engineering Selected Innovation REcognition (DESIRE) Award Winner