At-Launch Award Winner: BTScout

BTScout is developing an autonomous robotic system that can safely and accurately 3D-scan beaver and badger burrows in flood defences and other critical infrastructure, such as railway embankments. These underground structures can pose risks to safety and stability, yet current inspection methods are limited, invasive, and often imprecise.

By navigating burrows autonomously and generating detailed 3D data, BTScout provides authorities with insight into what is happening below the surface—without digging or disturbing wildlife. This allows infrastructure managers to better assess risks and decide whether intervention is necessary, and if so, how it should be carried out.

The team is currently strengthening the technology through collaborations with RoboHouse and Maatschap Voshart, working towards further development and a subsidy application. In addition, STOWA has committed to financing a pilot project, and exploratory discussions are ongoing with ProRail for potential collaboration. The BK-Launch At-Launch Award supports the next development phase of the robot, with a focus on acquiring materials and preparing for real-world field tests.