KarunaNews Story

15-year-old Evan Budz designed an autonomous bionic turtle robot that's making waves by detecting dangers like coral bleaching and invasive species with a staggering 96% accuracy. Inspired by the graceful motion of a snapping turtle, Evan designed the robot to glide through water without disturbing ecosystems, capturing the essence of real turtles' movements. "My propulsion approach ... imitates the unique maneuverability exhibited by green sea turtles," says Evan, highlighting his ingenious use of servo motors and 3D-printed flippers. At the European Union Contest for Young Scientists 2025, Evan's eco-friendly creation snagged first place, earning him $8,200. What's next? Enhancements for collecting water samples to detect pollutants, because as Evan notes, "the need to continually assess the world's waterways is scientifically pertinent." This isn't just tech; it's a beacon of hope for our planet's health.