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 scan aquatic environments for ecological threats with astonishing accuracy. Budz's journey began on a camping trip in Ontario, where he witnessed a snapping turtle's serene movement through the water, inspiring him to explore the potential of such silent locomotion for underwater science.
What sets BURT apart is its quiet and efficient design. Unlike traditional underwater drones that use propellers or high-pressure water jets, BURT employs a unique approach. It mimics the swimming technique of sea turtles, utilizing its front flippers for propulsion and rear limbs for steering. This innovative design ensures minimal disturbance to the delicate aquatic ecosystem, making it an eco-friendly solution for underwater exploration.
The robot's construction is a testament to Budz's ingenuity. He meticulously designed BURT using SolidWorks, a 3D CAD software, and 3D-printed its components. The robot's body is an acrylic tube housing a Raspberry Pi microcomputer, which serves as the brain, running AI detection models and handling data recording and transmission. External sensors manage depth control, GPS-guided navigation, and obstacle detection, while a front-mounted camera provides visual data feedback.
BURT's specifications are impressive. Weighing approximately 11 pounds, it achieves neutral buoyancy with added metal ballast. The robot can operate for up to eight hours on a lithium battery, and a solar panel extends its range further. Budz has set the swimming speed at around 0.5 miles per hour, matching the pace of a real sea turtle, although he has the capability to adjust the flipper stroke frequency for faster speeds.
The development of BURT began in Budz's grandparents' backyard pool, which provided a controlled environment for testing. He created a simulated coral reef using 3D models and programmed the robot to recognize coral bleaching and invasive species. This allowed him to test the robot's detection capabilities in a safe and isolated setting.
However, Budz's vision extends beyond the pool. He has successfully tested BURT in Lake Ontario, showcasing its adaptability to real-world conditions. To enhance its capabilities, he has added lights and an ultrasonic transducer for murkier water conditions, and he is developing a holographic imaging device to classify microplastics. These advancements demonstrate Budz's commitment to expanding BURT's capabilities and addressing various environmental concerns.
Budz's achievements have been widely recognized. He won the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) in Riga, Latvia, in September 2025, claiming first prize and a €7,000 award. This victory followed his previous success at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, where he received the Best Project (Innovation) award. His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as he was also awarded the Ellison Scholars Award, which includes an all-expenses-paid visit to Oxford University.
The driving force behind BURT is Budz's strong environmental ethic. He believes in leaving places better than he found them, and this philosophy shaped the robot's design. BURT is designed to gather data without causing the damage that conventional underwater technology can inflict. Budz's ultimate goal is to deploy a fleet of these robots to monitor aquatic environments across different threat types, addressing issues such as coral bleaching, invasive species, and microplastics.
In conclusion, Evan Budz's creation, BURT, is a testament to the power of innovation and environmental stewardship. His robot's ability to detect ecological threats with 96% accuracy and its eco-friendly design make it a significant contribution to the field of underwater robotics. With further development and deployment, BURT has the potential to revolutionize how we monitor and protect our precious aquatic ecosystems.
