Evan Budz, a 15-year-old prodigy, has revolutionized the field of underwater robotics with his creation, BURT (Bionic Underwater Robotic Turtle). This remarkable device, modeled after the graceful swimming mechanics of a green sea turtle, is an autonomous robot designed to detect ecological threats in aquatic environments with astonishing accuracy. With a focus on minimizing environmental impact, Budz's invention has already garnered international recognition and accolades.
What makes BURT truly remarkable is its ability to navigate and detect threats without causing harm to delicate marine habitats. Most underwater drones use propellers or high-pressure water jets, which can erode habitats and stress marine life. Budz, however, wanted a quieter, more gentle approach. He studied sea turtle locomotion, learning how they use their front flippers for propulsion and rear limbs for steering. This inspired him to design BURT with four flippers, each serving a specific function, mimicking the natural movement of a real turtle.
The robot's body is an acrylic tube housing a Raspberry Pi microcomputer, which runs AI detection models and handles data recording and transmission. External sensors manage depth control, GPS-guided navigation, and obstacle detection. A front-mounted camera feeds visual data back to the onboard system. BURT weighs about 11 pounds and is designed to achieve neutral buoyancy with added metal ballast. It can run for up to eight hours on a lithium battery, with a solar panel extending its range further.
Budz's development process was meticulous. He built a simulated coral reef in his grandparents' backyard pool, using 3D models to program the robot to recognize coral bleaching and invasive species. This allowed him to test the robot's detection performance in a controlled environment. The robot follows a predetermined search grid, requiring no tether or remote operator, and all recorded data can be transmitted externally.
One of the most impressive aspects of BURT is its versatility. Budz has expanded its capabilities by adding lights to the front of the robot and an ultrasonic transducer for murkier water conditions. He has also developed a holographic imaging device that records the shapes and structural characteristics of tiny particles in the water, allowing him to classify whether each particle is a microplastic. This expansion of capabilities demonstrates Budz's commitment to addressing a wide range of aquatic threats.
Budz's project has earned him numerous awards, including first prize at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) in Riga, Latvia, in September 2025, and the Ellison Scholars Award, which includes an all-expenses-paid visit to Oxford University. His success continues a streak of Canadian victories at EUCYS, marking the fourth consecutive year that Canadian students have won two top prizes. Budz's philosophy, as quoted in Popular Science, reflects his dedication to leaving places better than he found them, and his invention embodies this spirit.
Looking ahead, Budz's goal is to deploy a fleet of BURT robots to monitor aquatic environments across different threat types. He has already targeted coral bleaching, invasive species, and microplastics as detection categories, and his holographic imaging system represents a significant advancement in microplastic detection. With his innovative approach and unwavering dedication, Budz is poised to make a profound impact on the field of underwater robotics and marine conservation.
