16-yr-old Canadian student built AI robot turtle that hunts plastic invisible to eye
16-year-old Canadian student Evan Budz developed an AI-powered robotic sea turtle designed to detect microplastics in aquatic environments. The project earned him the Gordon E. Moore Award at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Why it matters
This innovation demonstrates the potential for biomimetic robotics and AI to address critical environmental pollution challenges.
A 16-year-old student from Ontario, Canada has built a robotic sea turtle that swims on its own, dives to a set depth, and uses AI to spot microplastics floating in lakes and oceans. Evan Budz won a $50,000 scholarship for the project at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May, taking home the Gordon E. Moore Award for Positive Outcomes for Future Generations.The machine did not start out impressive. Budz's first prototype went straight to the bottom of his grandparents' backyard pool in Canada. He described it sinking like a brick, unable to swim or hold its depth.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in