Our work / VTMS+
Protecting Pollinators Through Sustainable Engineering
Why Bee Health Is a Global Priority, Not Just a Beekeeper’s Problem
- Product Design
- Prototyping
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Branding
- Marketing
Project snapshot
We transitioned from component-level design to full system architecture, defining how mechanical, thermal, and electronic subsystems would work
The LA New Product Development Team delivered Protecting Pollinators Through Sustainable Engineering, covering product design, prototyping, engineering, manufacturing, branding and marketing. The work sits in our pet products experience, where we take an idea from concept through design, prototyping and manufacturing readiness.
- Services applied
- Product Design, Prototyping, Engineering, Manufacturing, Branding and Marketing
- Project type
- VTMS+
Bees are essential to global food systems, biodiversity, and ecological balance. A significant portion of the world’s crops depends on pollination, yet bee populations continue to decline worldwide.
Habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate stress, and disease all play a role, but one of the most destructive and persistent threats is the varroa destructor mite.
Varroa mites weaken colonies, spread viruses, and significantly reduce hive survival rates.
For small and medium-sized beekeepers, managing varroa often means relying on chemical treatments that can harm bees, contaminate honey, and lose effectiveness over time. VTMS+ was created to offer a safer, chemical-free, and environmentally responsible alternative.
“Healthy bees are foundational to healthy ecosystems and food systems.”
From a Single Component to a Complete Beehive Treatment System
The VTMS+ team initially approached LA New Product Development Team with a focused request, the design of a queen excluder intended to protect the queen during hive treatment. As development progressed, the scope expanded rapidly.
The client recognized the need for a complete, integrated solution capable of safely eliminating varroa mites using controlled heat. LA NPDT transitioned from component-level design to full system architecture, defining how mechanical, thermal, and electronic subsystems would work together in real-world beekeeping conditions.
“What starts as a component can evolve into a full system with the right engineering.”
Engineering the System , One Part at a Time
To turn the concept into reality, our team designed and fabricated numerous custom components. CNC-machined metal parts and 3D-printed polymer components were produced to validate fit, strength, thermal behavior, and assembly logic.
This hands-on prototyping phase allowed rapid iteration and informed critical design decisions before committing to final materials and manufacturing processes.
“Real products are built part by part, not just on a screen.”
As individual components were validated, LA NPDT assembled them into a fully integrated VTMS+ prototype. The completed system demonstrated controlled thermal treatment, safe operation, portability, and the ability to treat up to four hives simultaneously.
This stage marked a critical milestone. The project moved from theoretical design and renderings to a tangible, working system ready for field testing and real-world evaluation.
“Seeing a system come alive is where engineering becomes impact.”
Designing for Manufacturing and Scale
Beyond functional prototyping, we prepared VTMS+ for manufacturing. LA NPDT delivered complete mechanical and electrical design files, detailed bills of materials, and design-for-manufacturing optimizations to reduce cost and simplify production.
The result was a system that balanced performance, reliability, and affordability, enabling the client to confidently move toward mass production and broader deployment.
“Manufacturing readiness is where innovation becomes viable.”
Packaging, Sales Tools, and Market Readiness
To support commercialization, LA NPDT also designed the product packaging, creating a professional box rendering that communicates value, function, and sustainability. In addition, we developed a sell sheet to clearly explain the system’s benefits, technical specifications, and use cases for beekeepers, partners, and stakeholders.
These materials played an important role in fundraising discussions, beta testing outreach, and early customer engagement.
“A great product needs equally clear communication.”
Explaining the System Through Video
Complex systems benefit from visual explanation. LA NPDT produced a product video that demonstrates how VTMS+ works, why thermal treatment is effective, and how the system fits into real beekeeping workflows.
The video became a key asset for demonstrations, stakeholder presentations, and online communication.
“Video turns complexity into clarity.”
Delivering a system of this complexity required coordinated work across engineering, manufacturing, and market readiness. Below is a breakdown of how our team supported VTMS+ from concept to deployment.
Services Provided for VTMS+
- 01
System Architecture & Concept Expansion
We began by supporting the design of a single component, the queen excluder. As the project evolved, we expanded the scope to define the full VTMS+ system architecture, determining how mechanical structures, thermal treatment, electronics, and user interaction would work together as a cohesive solution. - 02
Mechanical Design & Engineering
Our team designed all mechanical components required for the system, including structural elements, hive interfaces, housings, and heat-management features. Designs were optimized for durability, outdoor use, and ease of assembly. - 03
Electrical & Thermal System Design
We developed the electronic and thermal control aspects of the system, ensuring precise temperature regulation required to eliminate varroa mites while keeping bees safe. Power management and system safety were key design considerations. - 04
Prototyping & Component Fabrication
We produced multiple iterations of components using CNC machining and 3D printing to validate fit, function, thermal behavior, and assembly. This hands-on prototyping allowed rapid iteration and informed final design decisions. - 05
System Integration & Functional Prototyping
Individual components were assembled into a fully integrated VTMS+ prototype capable of treating up to four hives simultaneously. We validated system operation, portability, and real-world usability. - 06
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
We prepared the system for manufacturing by refining geometries, reducing part complexity, and selecting cost-effective materials and processes. Complete manufacturing-ready CAD files, drawings, and bills of materials were delivered. - 07
Testing & Field-Readiness Support
We supported testing efforts to ensure the system was ready for beta deployment with real beekeepers. The final design enabled full-scale testing and demonstration to stakeholders. - 08
Packaging Design
We designed the product packaging, including a professional box rendering, to support commercialization and clearly communicate the system’s value and functionality. - 09
Marketing & Sales Materials
We created key marketing assets, including a sell sheet, product renderings, animations, and visual explanations to support fundraising, outreach, and stakeholder presentations. - 10
Video Production
We produced a product video to demonstrate how VTMS+ works, explain the benefits of thermal treatment, and communicate the system’s impact clearly and visually. - 11
Website & Launch Support
We assisted with website development and content creation to position VTMS+ for market entry and early adoption.
Impact: Sustainable Beekeeping That Scales
VTMS+ enables beekeepers to combat varroa mites without chemicals, protecting bees, preserving honey quality, and reducing environmental harm. For small and medium-sized operations, the system provides a practical, accessible tool to improve hive survival and long-term productivity. At a broader level, VTMS+ contributes to healthier pollinator populations and more resilient agricultural ecosystems. This project demonstrates how thoughtful, sustainability-driven engineering can deliver benefits far beyond the product itself.
“Sustainable solutions matter most when they protect life beyond the product.”
Building Real-World Systems That Matter
VTMS+ is a clear example of how LA New Product Development Team helps innovators move from ideas to fully realized systems. From early concepts and component design to prototyping, manufacturing readiness, and market-facing materials, we support the entire product journey.
If you’re developing a complex product that needs to function reliably in the real world, we’re ready to help.
Capabilities used on this project
Rapid prototyping services
3D printing, CNC machining, urethane casting and functional prototype builds with published materials, tolerances and lead times.
Electronic design and PCB engineering
Schematic capture, PCB layout, firmware and electromechanical integration for connected hardware.
Low-volume manufacturing
Bridge tooling, short-run production and supplier management for first commercial batches.
Industries this project belongs to
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