Proven technology for sustainable and professional nest detection

Professional detection technology
for Asian hornet nests

The Asian hornet poses a growing threat to bees, biodiversity and ecosystems in Europe. Effective nest detection therefore requires reliable technology that has been proven in practice.

In 2017, Robor Nature discovered the first hornet’s nest in the Netherlands and developed a professional tracking system that allows hornets to be tracked directly to their nest location. The system has therefore been developed on the basis of years of practical experience and has since been used in thousands of successful tracking operations.

Robor uses reusable BLE transmitters fitted with rechargeable batteries. This not only makes the system more sustainable and future-proof, but also significantly reduces the operational costs per nest detection (from €2.50 per nest detection).
Professionals choose Robor nature because:
  • Proven results in practice
  • High reliability
  • Sustainable and reusable technology
  • Lower cost per nest detection
  • EU-certified product
  • Training and support based on many years of experience in the field

Detection kit

The Robor Nature detection kit contains all the essential components for the professional detection of Asian hornet nests.

The system has been developed based on practical experience since 2017 and is designed for reliable and efficient use in the field. All components are housed in a robust carrying case, making the kit ready for immediate use in a wide range of conditions.


Asian hornet detection kit

✔ Complete set in a single sturdy case
Ready to use straight away. No extra parts required.
✔ 5 reusable transmitters included
Suitable for locating up to 100 nests thanks to its multi-use design.
✔ Automatic transmitter retrieve
Fitted with 2 powerful magnets that make it easy to retrieve transmitters.
✔ 3 ultra-sensitive and directional receivers
Can be used with or without a smartphone or app.
✔ Multi-chargers included
Complete charging solution for all transmitters (3x multi-charger included).
✔ Quick and safe installation
Includes installation tools. No hassle with caulking, gluing or complicated fixings.
✔ Fully equipped for practical use
Includes scales, marking pens, a small tent and high-visibility vests.
✔ Free VespaFinder app included
Not only is it suitable for locating nests, but also for predicting nest locations. In 25% of cases, the nest is even found without the need to use a transmitter.
 

The transmitters

VespaFinder technology

Since 2017, Robor Electronics has been developing professional nest detection technology for locating Asian hornets. Thanks to years of practical experience and thousands of successful detections, the VespaFinder system has been continuously refined into a reliable and efficient tool for professionals both at home and abroad.

In 2024, Robor launched the VespaFinder app, which makes it easy to predict the location of a nest. Thanks to this smart technology, in around 25% of cases the nest is even found without the need for a transmitter. Furthermore, the positioning ensures that the transmitter’s range becomes less critical, allowing nests at greater distances to be tracked more efficiently within the predicted search area.

VFT160 – Maximum performance in the field

The VFT160 has been designed for reliable tracking over longer distances and intensive professional use. This powerful BLE transmitter is rechargeable, reusable and can be automatically retrieved using a magnet on the propeller housing.

Thanks to the clever attachment method, the hornet’s natural behaviour is preserved, allowing it to fly and walk as normal. In practice, this means that up to 95% of the transmitters are recovered automatically without any additional action being required.

✔️ High transmission power

✔️ Automatic transmitter recovery

✔️ Reusable and rechargeable

✔️ Proven in thousands of investigations

VFT80 – Compact and lightweight

The VFT80 has been developed for applications where an extra-light transmitter is required. Despite its compact size, this transmitter delivers excellent performance for tracking smaller insects such as wasps and bees.

The VFT80 is rechargeable and reusable, but because it is so light, it is retrieved manually using a butterfly net or a selective trap.

✔️ Extra-lightweight design

✔️ Suitable for smaller insects

✔️ Rechargeable and reusable

✔️ Professional BLE tracking technology

VFT110 – The versatile all-rounder

The VFT110 combines a compact design with powerful performance and has been developed to offer maximum flexibility in the field. The transmitter features a rechargeable and replaceable battery, ensuring that users always have transmitters ready for immediate use.

With a battery life of up to approximately 150 hours, the VFT110 is ideal for locating primary nests and lighter workers. In addition, this transmitter can also be retrieved automatically using the magnetic system.

✔️ Replaceable battery

✔️ Up to approximately 150 hours of battery life

✔️ Automatic transmitter recovery

✔️ Designed for intensive professional use

Sustainable & future-proof

All Robor’s reusable VespaFinder transmitters comply with the European Battery Regulation (EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542) thanks to the use of rechargeable and replaceable batteries.

When used in conjunction with the VespaFinder app and the XR handheld receiver, this creates an efficient, sustainable and future-proof system for professional nest detection.

 

The transmitters photographed side by side on graph paper.

Installation transmitter

Fast, secure and designed for practical use

Using specially developed tools, the VespaFinder transmitter can be attached to the Asian hornet easily and securely. The installation method is designed to work efficiently in the field, whilst preserving the hornet’s natural behaviour as much as possible.

All the necessary tools and accessories are included as standard in the Robor Nature detection kit, allowing users to get started straight away with professional results.

✔️ Quick and safe installation

✔️ Specially designed for clinical use

✔️ No complicated mounting methods

✔️ Supplied complete in the detection kit

Transmitter installation manual

The receivers

Professional direction-sensitive tracking technology

The VespaFinder Receivers form the heart of the Robor Nature detection system and have been specially developed to accurately locate Asian hornet nests. Thanks to advanced Bluetooth (BLE) technology and directional reception, the exact nest location can be pinpointed.

Since 2024, Robor Electronics has been continuously developing these professional receivers based on practical experience in the field. The receivers accurately indicate the direction of the strongest signal, enabling efficient and targeted searches.

VespaFinder Receiver Extended Range (VFR XR)

In 2026, Robor Electronics launched the improved VespaFinder Receiver Extended Range (VFR XR). This new generation of receivers has a significantly greater range and makes it possible to locate nests even more accurately and efficiently.

The built-in signal meter displays the direction of the strongest signal in real time, allowing users to navigate directly to the source without needing a smartphone.

In addition, the VFR XR enhances safety during search operations, as it makes it easier to determine whether a nest is high up in a tree or closer by in vegetation or bushes.

✔️ Directional BLE receiver

✔️ Designed for professional field use

✔️ Suitable for both individual and team-based detection

✔️ Efficient reception over longer distances

✔️ Extended Range technology

✔️ Highly accurate direction detection

✔️ Integrated real-time signal meter

✔️ Works independently without a smartphone

✔️ Designed for maximum safety and efficiency

Developed on the basis of practical experience since 2017

All VespaFinder receivers have been developed by Robor Electronics, drawing on years of practical experience, thousands of successful recoveries and intensive use in the field.

VespaFinder Focus

Smart direction detection via your smartphone
The VespaFinder Focus has been developed to transform smartphones into powerful directional receivers for professional nest tracking. Thanks to this innovative technology, the Bluetooth signal is amplified in a targeted manner, enabling users to navigate towards the nest more easily and accurately.
 
The VespaFinder Focus not only makes searching more efficient, but also helps to make the search safer. Users can better judge whether a nest is high up in a tree or closer by, in foliage or bushes.
 
The VespaFinder app shares the direction of travel in real time, so that other searchers can also see exactly where the search is heading during joint operations.

The VespaFinder Focus is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones and serves as a smart addition to the professional Robor Nature tracking system.
 
✔️ Boosts the smartphone’s Bluetooth signal
✔️ Directional nest detection
✔️ Compatible with Android and iOS
✔️ Real-time sharing of search queries
✔️ Designed for safe and efficient use in the field
✔️ Patent pending
 

Searching by car

The three ultra-sensitive receivers are easy to install on the car using the suction-cup antenna mount. Once in the car, you can use the VF app to view the data from the three receivers in real time.

Searching by drone

Maximum range for professional nest detection

The VespaFinder Drone Receiver (XR) enables transmitters to be located from the air using a professional drone. By connecting the receiver to the drone, the signal strength is displayed in real time on the remote controller, allowing for a quick and targeted search for the nest location.

The main advantage of aerial detection is that sensitivity and range increase significantly when surveying from a greater height. This makes it possible to locate nests more efficiently in hard-to-reach terrain, wooded areas and vast search areas.

When used in conjunction with the VFT160 transmitter, the range can reach up to approximately 4 kilometres under optimal conditions. The Drone Receiver XR has been developed for professional use and is compatible with, amongst others, the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise and DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise.

 

The VespaFinder App

Smart support for efficient nest detection

With the VespaFinder app, users can actively help track down Asian hornet nests using an Android or iOS smartphone. The app works in conjunction with VespaFinder transmitters and makes it possible to map out search areas quickly and precisely.

A key feature of the app is its smart nest prediction technology. By analysing flight times and directions, it can calculate the likely location of the nest. In practice, this means that in around 25% of cases, the nest is found without the need for further tracking.

When a user receives a transmitter signal, other users within the network can also use this information to search more efficiently as a group. This creates a powerful tool for professional search and rescue operations in both urban and wooded environments.

The VespaFinder app is available free of charge and is easy to install on both Android and iOS smartphones.

✔️ Compatible with Android and iOS

✔️ Smart prediction of nesting sites

✔️ 25% of the nests were found without further transmission

✔️ Real-time support during investigations

✔️ Collaborating through shared search data

✔️ Available free of charge and easy to install without an account

Guide to predicting the location of the nest.

Prices for Vespa Finder tracking kits

Prices for individual transmitters:

VFT160: €98 (price per search starting at €5 per nest)

VFT110 at €49 (price per search starting at €2.50 per nest)

The transmitters are reusable/rechargeable and therefore suitable for locating multiple nests.

(Pro110/Lite110/VFT110 Available starting June 2026)

Prices are exclusive 21% VAT.

Course on detecting Asian hornet nests.

Practical training developed on the basis of years of experience

In this comprehensive course, you will learn, step by step, how to professionally locate Asian hornet nests. The training programme has been developed based on practical experience since 2017 and combines theory, practical examples and advanced detection techniques used in the field.

The course covers in detail the use of VespaFinder technology, interpreting flight paths and efficiently determining search areas. You will also learn how to tag hornets safely and in a controlled manner, and how to use transmitters effectively to pinpoint the location of nests.

Advanced techniques such as tagging hornets, drone support and the use of the VespaFinder app are also covered in detail. This results in a comprehensive, practical training programme for professionals, pest control operators and organisations actively involved in the control of the Asian hornet.

Robor Nature also organises practical training courses, workshops and demonstration days, during which participants gain hands-on experience of professional nest detection in the field.

✔️ A step-by-step guide to professional nest detection

✔️ Practical training developed on the basis of thousands of investigations

✔️ Use of VespaFinder technology and app

✔️ Advanced techniques such as tracking and drone detection

✔️ Practical examples and on-the-job training

✔️ Suitable for professionals, organisations and pest control operators

A field wasp with the VFT80

This video shows a 100 mg field wasp flying with the 80 mg VFT80 transmitter.

The VFT80 will be used for research on bees and lemonade wasps.

We developed the VFT110 for locating Asian giant hornet nests, as this transmitter can be automatically retrieved using a magnet.

Asian hornet with the VFT160

This video shows an Asian hornet weighing 209 mg flying with the 160 mg VFT160 transmitter. An Asian hornet can lift around 85% of its own body weight. 

In the media

Robor Electronics’ innovative detection technology has attracted attention in various regional, national and international media outlets in recent years. Drawing on practical experience, Robor has established itself since 2017 as a pioneer in modern Asian hornet nest detection technology.

The combination of technological innovation, practical development and successful eradication campaigns both at home and abroad has made Robor Nature a much-discussed player in the fight against invasive alien species.