At just 16 years old, Canadian student Evan Budz has developed an autonomous AI-powered robot turtle that could help scientists tackle one of the world's fastest-growing environmental problems: microplastic pollution. Inspired by the graceful swimming of a snapping turtle he encountered during a family camping trip, Budz spent nearly 4,000 hours designing and refining a robotic turtle equipped with an underwater 3D holographic imaging system and artificial intelligence.

Evan Budz, 16, won a $50,000 scholarship at the International Science and Engineering Fair in May for his microplastic-seeking robot turtle.

At just 16 years old, Canadian student Evan Budz has developed an autonomous AI-powered robot turtle that could help scientists tackle one of the world's fastest-growing…