Gallery: Sea Lion Flippers Could Inspire Super-Stealthy Submersibles

  • Scientists are using 3D printed sea lion flippers to unravel the secrets of the animal's majestic locomotion.
    Jared Soares for WIRED
    01

    flipper-382

    Scientists are using 3-D printed sea lion flippers to unravel the secrets of the animal's majestic locomotion.
  • Image may contain Clothing Apparel Sleeve Human Person Long Sleeve Evening Dress Robe Fashion Gown and Shelf
    Jared Soares for WIRED
    02

    flipper-011

    Megan Leftwich in her lab.
  • Image may contain Human Person Furniture Table and Desk
    Jared Soares for WIRED
    03

    flipper-179

    Leftwich assembles a robo-flipper.
  • Image may contain Human Person Furniture and Table
    Jared Soares for WIRED
    04

    flipper-412

    A robo-flipper takes a dip.
  • The motor that powers the flipper.
    Jared Soares for WIRED
    05

    flipper-299

    The motor that powers the flipper.
  • Image may contain Human and Person
    Jared Soares for WIRED
    06

    flipper-421

  • Image may contain Furniture Electronics Monitor Display Screen Lcd Screen Table Human Person Desk and Computer
    Jared Soares for WIRED
    07

    flipper-253

  • Image may contain Lighting
    Jared Soares for WIRED
    08

    flipper-283

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