3D-printed dummy landmines teach subtle skills

I WIGGLE a slim, flat-sided metal rod into the sand, trying desperately not to push too hard and set off an anti-personnel mine. The probe clacks against something solid. I withdraw it and push it in again, at a shallower angle this time, to try to find out how deeply the object is buried. Big mistake. A bright red flash and a loud, explosive “crump!” – the mine has detonated.

In the field, this simple miscue would have cost me a limb, or maybe my life.…