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Tractian Launches Smart Trac UG2 with Continuous Ultrasound Monitoring for Early Fault Detection
PAPER INDUSTRY NEWS
Jino John
3/24/20262 min read


Tractian, a leading industrial asset monitoring and reliability solutions provider, has announced the launch of the Smart Trac UG2, a next-generation condition monitoring sensor that integrates vibration and high-precision ultrasound technologies to detect equipment faults before the earliest visible signs appear.
Developed and validated at the company’s AI Center in São Paulo, the Smart Trac UG2 is the first sensor in Brazil to enable continuous ultrasound monitoring at industrial scale—setting a new benchmark in predictive maintenance.
The new sensor is designed to address one of the most critical causes of equipment failure in industrial operations: lubrication issues, which account for up to 80% of breakdowns in rotating machinery. By capturing ultrasonic signals that precede vibration-detectable degradation, the system allows maintenance teams to intervene earlier, preventing costly failures and unplanned downtime.
"It’s the difference between smelling smoke and seeing the fire. When you see the fire, your options are already much more limited," said Igor Marinelli, Co-founder and CEO of Tractian.
Unlike traditional ultrasound monitoring methods, which rely on manual inspections and periodic data collection, the Smart Trac UG2 enables continuous, automated monitoring without increasing operational workload. The system leverages artificial intelligence and neural networks to detect a wide range of fault modes in real time.
Key features of the Smart Trac UG2 include:
Integrated ultrasonic and vibration monitoring for early fault detection
Built-in magnetometer for rotation and imbalance analysis in variable-speed equipment
AI-driven diagnostics powered by neural networks
Wireless installation via NFC in seconds
Long battery life of three to five years
The sensor was engineered, tested, and validated at Tractian’s 10,000 m² AI Center, a R$60 million investment where equipment is subjected to controlled failure scenarios to ensure real-world reliability.
Proven Impact in Industrial Operations
The technology has already demonstrated measurable results in the field. At Suzano’s Mucuri (Bahia) pulp production facility, the implementation of Tractian’s monitoring solutions led to a 39% reduction in production losses and increased operational efficiency from 84% to 94.2%. In 2025 alone, the system helped avoid R$17.6 million in losses.
In one instance, the platform detected simultaneous anomalies in a feeder gearbox, enabling preventive maintenance that avoided 16 hours of downtime and prevented losses of R$3.6 million.
"By combining advanced technology with disciplined asset management, we have significantly improved reliability, reduced unexpected failures, and achieved consistent operational results," a Suzano representative noted.
With the launch of Smart Trac UG2, Tractian continues to advance industrial reliability, offering manufacturers in sectors such as pulp and paper a powerful tool to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and operate with greater predictability.
