Embodied Intelligence in Liquid Crystal Elastomer Composites: From Shape Morphing to Soft Robotics

Programmable shape-shifting materials can take different physical forms to achieve multifunctionality in a dynamic and controllable manner. By pre-programming and reprogramming molecular anisotropy in liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and their nanocomposites together with geometric designs in the forms of films, fibers, and microparticles, we show shape morphing from 2D to 3D with combination of curvatures. By incorporating 1D and 2D nanomaterials (e.g. cellulose nanocrystals, carbon nanotubes, graphene and gold nanorods) in LCEs, we demonstrate soft robots with tendon-like actuators that are forceful and adaptive to perform various tasks in response to heat, light, magnetic field, and electric field.