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Spider-Inspired Technology Promises to Accelerate Recovery of Portuguese Forests and Increase Tree Survival Rate by Up to 85%
At a time when Portuguese forests face increasing challenges due to wildfires, a technological innovation created by two young entrepreneurs could completely transform the reforestation landscape in Portugal. It is the Trovador, the first all-terrain reforestation robot developed by young Portuguese people, capable of planting about 200 trees per hour, with a survival rate that can reach 85%.
This information was disclosed by Expressinho, according to a report signed by Joana Soares on July 17, 2025, highlighting how the project by Marta Bernardino and Sebastião Mendonça gained national and international attention, becoming the first Portuguese startup recognized by the National Geographic in this environmental segment.
Since the year 2000, more than half of the Portuguese forests have suffered from wildfires. In light of this alarming scenario, reforestation initiatives have become essential to recover degraded ecosystems and protect the soil from further damage. However, tree replacement has always faced logistical obstacles, especially in steep and burned terrain, where tractors and even human workers have difficulty accessing. This is precisely where the Trovador stands out.
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How the Trovador Works, the Autonomous Reforestation Robot Created in Portugal
The Trovador is an autonomous robot, meaning it works independently without the need for constant human control. Equipped with sensors and cameras, it can identify the ideal path and avoid obstacles such as stones, holes, and terrain irregularities. Additionally, its legs were inspired by the movement of spiders, allowing for efficient movement in difficult terrains and adverse conditions.
Another important differentiator is that the robot was built with recycled materials, reinforcing the project’s environmental commitment. Thus, in addition to planting trees, the equipment itself is aligned with sustainability principles from its inception.
Among the main technical capabilities of the Trovador, the following stand out:
- Plant approximately 200 trees per hour, significantly surpassing human speed;
- Achieve a survival rate of up to 85% of the planted seedlings;
- Climb steep terrains and burned areas where tractors cannot operate;
- Adapt to the soil in real-time, automatically selecting the best location for each tree to grow healthily;
- Protect the soil by gently touching it to avoid additional degradation.
Moreover, the system allows for strategic planning of the operational area, ensuring that the reforestation process is monitored and executed with greater precision. This means it is possible to know exactly where the robot will pass, how it will carry out the planting, and what the expected impact on the area’s regeneration will be.
The project was the winner of the Step Up to Start Up, an initiative promoted by the Instituto Rodrigo Guimarães (IRG), which awarded 30,000 euros for Marta Bernardino and Sebastião Mendonça to bring their idea to life. This financial support was crucial for enabling the construction and improvement of the robot.
Environmental Impact and Future of Reforestation in Portugal
The significance of the Trovador goes beyond technological innovation. In a country where wildfires occur year after year, accelerating the process of environmental recovery has become a strategic priority. Since more than half of the Portuguese forests have been affected since 2000, adopting intelligent reforestation technologies can represent a significant turning point in the protection of ecosystems.
In addition to restoring devastated areas, efficient planting helps preserve underground ecosystems, vital for the natural regeneration of biodiversity. Thus, the robot not only plants trees but also contributes to rebuilding entire ecological chains.
On the other hand, the innovation also serves as inspiration for young entrepreneurs and students interested in sustainable technology. Marta Bernardino and Sebastião Mendonça, with just a bit more age than the audience following the initiative, demonstrate that high-impact solutions can arise from simple ideas when combined with creativity, engineering, and environmental purpose.
Therefore, the Trovador is not just a reforestation robot. It represents a new stage in the union between technology, sustainability, and young entrepreneurship in Portugal. At the same time, it shows that forest recovery can be faster, more efficient, and more strategic than ever.
And you, do you believe that technology will be able to definitively transform the way we recover forests after wildfires?
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