A Bird's-Eye View of Flying Robots—The Beehive Drone System

A bird’s-eye view for the best overview

Drones can operate regardless of terrain, making them perfect for medium- to large-sized areas

The Beehive Drone System in Action

Aerial surveillance is one of the most effective security methods available. Frequent and unpredictable aerial patrols reliably and quickly detect and report intruders or suspicious activity—and, thanks to intelligent video analysis, immediately secure evidence. The use of drones to verify alarms is popular. For example, if a fence sensor detects movement, a drone can be automatically dispatched to the alarm location to provide clarity via live video.

Drone Data Sheet (Download PDF)

Beehive – the Bee

This lightweight drone offers safety and performance. It features sophisticated technology for autonomous flight, live streaming, high-quality video recording, and precise landing and charging—every single time.

Lightning-Fast Reconnaissance Aircraft - The Bee

Technical Specifications

  • Weight (including battery): 1.5 kg
  • Case size: 34×34 cm
  • Overall dimensions (including propeller guard): 57×57 cm
  • Propeller size: 22.9 cm
  • Flight speed: 4 m/s
  • Flight time: 15 minutes (+5 min. safety margin)
  • Wind resistance: 20 km/h or 5.6 m/s
  • Wind resistance: 30 km/h or 8.3 m/s
  • Operating temperatures: -10°C to 40°C
  • Hovering accuracy: 30 cm
  • High-precision GPS/GNSS navigation systems with RTK
  • Camera sensor: Sony IMX385
  • FOV: 50° (v), 100° (h)
  • Image resolution: 1920 x 1080 Full HD
  • Minimum bandwidth: 2 Mb/s
  • Video latency: ~250 ms
  • Obstacle avoidance range: 6m
  • Maximum transmission distance: 300 m
  • Battery capacity: 4000mAh
  • Charging time (from fully discharged): 25 minutes

The Hive – the beehive

“The Hive” not only houses and charges “Beehive”—it is the brain of the entire system and processes and analyzes sensor data using state-of-the-art embedded AI computers.

The Hive - charging station and home for the bee drone

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 45 kg
  • Dimensions when closed: 79 x 87 x 89 cm
  • Dimensions when open: 79 x 120 x 80 cm
  • Power connection: 110 V or 220 V AC
  • Operating time with backup battery: 1 h
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Ethernet + optional LTE modem
  • Operating temperatures: -20 to +50 °C

As fast as an arrow

The fastest robot in the arsenal, perfect for alarm verification.

Video Surveillance

Visual capture, streaming, and recording day and night.

For large areas

Air patrols reliably secure large areas reliably from the air.

Information for the Control Center

Real-time monitoring and streaming to the connected control center.

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FAQ – Flying Robots

Are drones suitable for rapid alarm verification?

As the fastest system in the portfolio of autonomous security robots, the drone system is perfect for alarm verification. In the event of an alarm, triggered by a fence sensor for example, the drone can be automatically sent to the alarm location. Live video transmission provides a quick and clear view of the situation, which contributes to the efficient clarification of security incidents.

How does a Beehive drone support aerial surveillance tasks?

The drone system’s sophisticated camera sensor technology ensures effective aerial surveillance. With a Sony IMX385 sensor and a FOV of 50° (vertical) and 100° (horizontal), the camera enables high-resolution video recordings (1920 x 1080 Full HD). These images provide a clear view even in low light conditions and support intelligent video analysis for intruder detection. It can also be equipped with thermal cameras to immediately recognise anomalies based on heat signatures and temperature differences.

How long can the Beehive drone system operate continuously?

The Beehive drone system can operate continuously for an operational flight time of 15 minutes (+5 min. safety reserve). The short charging times (25 minutes from full discharge) allow operational flight time to be used efficiently. Thanks to a battery capacity of 4000mAh and the fast charging time, Beehive can quickly be made ready for use again. Strategically positioned, the drone reaches its destination within a few minutes and still has reserves to remain on site or to carry out targeted camera reconnaissance.

How autonomous is Sunflower Labs’ Beehive drone system and what technologies enable autonomous flights?

Beehive consists of the Bee drone and the Hive base station and is characterized by high autonomy. Sophisticated technology for autonomous flights allows autonomous and precise surveillance missions to be carried out. This autonomy is achieved through high-precision GPS/GNSS navigation systems with RTK as well as intelligent algorithms and routines. The base station provides weather and environmental data for the planned flight times and sends information/warnings regarding the operation to the control center.