How octopuses squeeze through teeny tiny holes

NPR | By Ari Daniel

Published November 6, 2026 at 5:24 PM EST

Robots used during search and rescue operations need to be able to wriggle through narrow cracks and crevices. Researchers have turned to a natural contortionist for inspiration — the octopus.

Ari Daniel

Ari Daniel is a freelance contributor to NPR's Science desk.

See stories by Ari Daniel

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