Background
At the heart of forestry development in Uruguay, technological innovation is making a strong impact. A prime example of this progress is the Sarapico 4.0, a precision tool developed through a collaborative initiative between the metalworking company J.Hartwich, the forestry company UPM, and the Technological University of Uruguay (UTEC).
What is the Sarapico 4.0 ?
The tool was specifically designed to optimize UPM’s Eucalyptus planting operations. Its key innovation lies in the integration of advanced technology that enables the counting of seedlings planted and fertilized, while also georeferencing their exact locations. A built-in data transmission system connects to an app that allows real-time monitoring of planting progress, ensuring enhanced precision in silviculture, minimizing losses, and eliminating the need for manual record-keeping. As a result, fieldwork becomes more professionalized and operational costs are significantly reduced.
Industry collaboration and innovation
The project originated from a clear operational need at UPM: to verify fertilization, count seedlings accurately, and geolocate them with precision. This led to a strategic partnership with UTEC, incorporating young talent through engineering internships. Later, J.Hartwich joined the collaboration, contributing decades of expertise in agricultural machinery design and manufacturing. The development process included multiple phases of field testing, built on the synergy between students, faculty members, technicians, and engineers.
“We are very pleased with the product developed. At UPM, we are constantly committed to continuous improvement, aiming to connect with academia and the productive sector to strengthen synergies within our operations and amplify our impact on society,” said Federico Lussich, Strategic Development Manager at UPM.
Carlos Hartwich, Director of J.Hartwich, added: “Participating in this project was a great challenge. After several months, we developed a robust Sarapico equipped with new integrated technology, capable of withstanding diverse silvicultural conditions—without adding extra weight for the operator”.
For students and professors of UTEC’s Mechatronics Engineering and Information Technology programs, the project provided a highly valuable hands-on learning experience.
“These kinds of initiatives bring us closer to the real-world dynamics of industry—something we actively promote at UTEC to deliver innovation and added value to the productive sector,” explained project mentor and Director of UTEC’s Southwest Regional Technological Institute, Eng. Andrés Möller.
Recognition of the planting tool
The impact of Sarapico 4.0 was soon recognized at a national level. In 2022, the tool was awarded the First Prize of the Rosario Pou Award for Innovation in Uruguay’s Forestry Chain, granted by the National Academy of Engineering (ANIU)—a distinction that highlights its contribution to technology, sustainability, and added value in the forestry sector. “This award aims to highlight those who innovate to create value, improve processes, and adopt new technologies with a sustainable focus,” said Rosario Pou. The alliance between UPM, UTEC, and J.Hartwich successfully brought together knowledge, experience, and innovation, resulting in a tool that improves processes, professionalizes field operations, and ensures traceability in one of Uruguay’s most strategic production chains. In a global landscape where sustainability and efficiency are increasingly valued, Sarapico 4.0 stands as a powerful example of Uruguay’s capacity to generate cutting-edge technology with a local identity and international potential.
For more information:
