Bioinspired soft robots based on liquid crystal elastomers: from multimodal actuation to functional integration
Bibliographic record
Abstract
No abstract is available for this record. The assistant can identify its topic from the title, but cannot infer the study’s results.
Source: Not provided · Quality: missing
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Advanced Materials and Mechanics · Soft Robotics and Applications · Micro and Nano Robotics
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (100+)
Show source-provided references
1. Chen Z, Chen J, Jung S, et al. Bioinspired and biohybrid soft robots: Principles and emerging technologies. Matter, 2025, 8: 10204510.1016/j.matt.2025.102045 ↗
2. Park CS, Kang YW, Na H, et al. Hydrogels for bioinspired soft robots. Prog Polym Sci, 2024, 150: 10179110.1016/j.progpolymsci.2024.101791 ↗
3. Pan M, Liu M, Lei J, et al. Bioinspired mechanisms and actuation of soft robotic crawlers. Adv Sci, 2025, 12: 241676410.1002/advs.202416764 ↗
4. Chen R, Zhu X, Yuan Z, et al. A bioinspired single actuator-driven soft robot capable of multistrategy locomotion. IEEE Trans Robot, 2024, 40: 2149–216510.1109/TRO.2024.3370050 ↗
5. Zhao T, Fang W, Fan Y, et al. Phototactic miniature soft robots with terrain adaptability. Adv Mater Technologies, 2022, 7: 210166010.1002/admt.202101660 ↗
6. Chen Z, Wang X, Xu J, et al. Bioinspired amphibious soft robotics with conformable ultrasonic array for adaptive defect mapping and terrain reconstruction. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e2293210.1002/adfm.202522932 ↗
7. Hwang JH, Won S, Lee JM, et al. Closed-loop and sustainable 4D printing of multi-stimuli-responsive sulfur-rich polymer composites for autonomous task execution. Adv Mater, 2025, 37: e0705710.1002/adma.202507057 ↗
8. Sun Y, Chen L, Zeng Z, et al. A flatworm-like hydrogel with surface double-network structure for re-programmable multimode actuations. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, 35: 241034810.1002/adfm.202410348 ↗
9. Lee Y, Song WJ, Sun JY. Hydrogel soft robotics. Mater Today Phys, 2020, 15: 10025810.1016/j.mtphys.2020.100258 ↗
10. Xiong J, Chen J, Lee PS. Functional fibers and fabrics for soft robotics, wearables, and human-robot interface. Adv Mater, 2021, 33: 200264010.1002/adma.202002640 ↗
11. Li D, Sun Y, Li X, et al. 3D printing of near-ambient responsive liquid crystal elastomers with enhanced nematic order and pluralized transformation. ACS Nano, 2025, 19: 7075–708710.1021/acsnano.4c15521 ↗
12. Chen Y, Valenzuela C, Liu Y, et al. Biomimetic artificial neuromuscular fiber bundles with built-in adaptive feedback. Matter, 2025, 8: 10190410.1016/j.matt.2024.10.022 ↗
13. Huang T, Li H, Dong Z, et al. Closed-loop haptic-thermal perception with memristor-based spiking neurons for embodied neuromorphic intelligence. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e2327010.1002/adfm.202523270 ↗
14. Zhou S, Li Y, Wang Q, et al. Integrated actuation and sensing: toward intelligent soft robots. Cyborg Bionic Syst, 2024, 5: 010510.34133/cbsystems.0105 ↗
15. Xiong Q, Zhou X, Li D, et al. An amphibious fully-soft centimeter-scale miniature crawling robot powered by electrohydraulic fluid kinetic energy. Adv Sci, 2024, 11: 230803310.1002/advs.202308033 ↗
16. Yang S, Yang Y, Li H, et al. Hydrophobic soft cone-assisted rolling robot inspired by sea urchin for gastrointestinal tract delivery. Friction, 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.26599/FRICT.2025.944109910.26599/FRICT.2025.9441099 ↗
17. Liu Y, Huang J, Liu C, et al. Soft millirobot capable of switching motion modes on the fly for targeted drug delivery in the oviduct. ACS Nano, 2024, 18: 8694–870510.1021/acsnano.3c09753 ↗
18. Li Z, Xu Q. Multi-section magnetic soft robot with multirobot navigation system for vasculature intervention. Cyborg Bionic Syst, 2024, 5: 018810.34133/cbsystems.0188 ↗
19. Du C, Liu Z, Xu Y. Functionally designed liquid crystal elastomer foams for cartilage regeneration. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e2004910.1002/adfm.202520049 ↗
20. Jin H, Zhu Z, Li H, et al. Exploiting mechanical sensing in deformed surface and interface towards soft robots. Adv Colloid Interface Sci, 2025, 344: 10360010.1016/j.cis.2025.103600 ↗
21. Mondal P, Mandal A, Chatterjee K. “All-in-one” ink for light-based 4D printing of conducting, tough, anti-freezing, and cytocompatible hydrogels. Chem Eng J, 2024, 496: 15388310.1016/j.cej.2024.153883 ↗
22. Jeong YJ, Lee Y, Won T, et al. Ultra tough and high resilience mechanochromic fibres for real world stress detection. Nat Commun, 2025, 16: 225710.1038/s41467-025-57522-1 ↗
23. Cao L, Sun T, Zhao H, et al. An actuatable ionogel thermoelectric fiber with aligned mesogens-induced thermopower for four-dimensional dynamically adaptive heat harvesting. Nat Commun, 2025, 16: 544510.1038/s41467-025-60103-x ↗
24. Wang X, Wei R, Chen Z, et al. Bioinspired intelligent soft robotics: from multidisciplinary integration to next-generation intelligence. Adv Sci, 2025, 12: e0629610.1002/advs.202506296 ↗
25. Herbert KM, Fowler HE, McCracken JM, et al. Synthesis and alignment of liquid crystalline elastomers. Nat Rev Mater, 2022, 7: 23–3810.1038/s41578-021-00359-z ↗
26. Nie Z, Wang M, Yang H. Structure-induced intelligence of liquid crystal elastomers. Chem Eur J, 2023, 29: e20230102710.1002/chem.202301027 ↗
27. Yu Z, Wang Y, Zheng J, et al. Fast-response bioinspired near-infrared light-driven soft robot based on two-stage deformation. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2022, 14: 16649–1665710.1021/acsami.2c01109 ↗
28. Wang Y, Liao W, Sun J, et al. Bioinspired construction of artificial cardiac muscles based on liquid crystal elastomer fibers. Adv Mater Technologies, 2022, 7: 210093410.1002/admt.202100934 ↗
29. He Z, Jiang S, Wang J, et al. Sweat gland-inspired skin soft actuators of the liquid crystal elastomer enabled by 3D printing. Chem Eng J, 2025, 506: 16026110.1016/j.cej.2025.160261 ↗
30. Tian X, Guo Y, Zhang J, et al. Fiber actuators based on reversible thermal responsive liquid crystal elastomer. Small, 2024, 20: 230695210.1002/smll.202306952 ↗
31. Wang Y, Liu J, Yang S. Multi-functional liquid crystal elastomer composites. Appl Phys Rev, 2022, 9: 01130110.1063/5.0075471 ↗
32. Maksimkin AV, Dayyoub T, Telyshev DV, et al. Electroactive polymer-based composites for artificial muscle-like actuators: a review. Nanomaterials, 2022, 12: 227210.3390/nano12132272 ↗
33. Dana A, Benson C, Sivaperuman Kalairaj M, et al. Collective action and entanglement of magnetically active liquid crystal elastomer ribbons. Matter, 2025, 8: 10227010.1016/j.matt.2025.102270 ↗
34. Sun Y, Sang M, Li W, et al. Multi-stimulus responsive soft actuator with thermotropic shape memory and local magnetic programming properties. Compos Part B-Eng, 2026, 308: 11296410.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112964 ↗
35. Song Y, Li Z, Zadan M, et al. Frequency-selective actuation of liquid crystalline elastomer actuators with radio-frequency. Nat Commun, 2025, 16: 729210.1038/s41467-025-62313-9 ↗
36. Deng Y, Li M. Electroactive liquid crystal elastomers as soft actuators. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e1879710.1002/adfm.202518797 ↗
37. Rešetič A. Shape programming of liquid crystal elastomers. Commun Chem, 2024, 7: 5610.1038/s42004-024-01141-2 ↗
38. Saed MO, Gablier A, Terentjev EM. Exchangeable liquid crystalline elastomers and their applications. Chem Rev, 2022, 122: 4927–494510.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01057 ↗
39. Zang T, Wang J, Yan G, et al. State of the art, insights and perspectives for bio-inspired liquid crystal elastomer soft actuators. Adv Mater, 2025, 37: e0869410.1002/adma.202508694 ↗
40. Qing H, Vallabhuneni S, Chi Y, et al. Enhancing soft robots with chemical shielding for harsh corrosive liquid environments. Mater Horiz, 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MH01593F10.1039/D5MH01593F ↗
41. Jiang Y, Tao X, Dong X, et al. Bionic energy-storage ejection actuator of electrothermally stimulated liquid crystal elastomer. Sens Actuat B-Chem, 2026, 450: 13926710.1016/j.snb.2025.139267 ↗
42. Zhou X, Sheng Y, Chen G, et al. Geometrically insensitive deform-and-go liquid crystal elastomer actuators through controlled radical diffusion. Nat Commun, 2025, 16: 753610.1038/s41467-025-62883-8 ↗
43. Wan X, Debije MG, Sorin F, et al. Melt-extruded light-responsive amphibious liquid crystal elastomer fibers with reprogrammable actuation modes. Chem Eng J, 2025, 505: 15935810.1016/j.cej.2025.159358 ↗
44. Zhao Q, Wu Y, Wei F, et al. Reactive coaxial-spinning liquid metal into sheaths of liquid crystal elastomer for weavable capacitive sensor and electronic actuator. Chem Eng J, 2025, 511: 16202510.1016/j.cej.2025.162025 ↗
45. Zhang Y, Wang X, Zhang X, et al. Tunable photo-responsive liquid crystal elastomer fibers via disperse dyeing for smart textiles. Mater Horiz, 2025, 12: 4862–487410.1039/D5MH00357A ↗
46. Yin X, Li L, Zhao YX, et al. Adaptive structural regulation of disulfide contained liquid crystal elastomers for mild temperature-induced two-way shape memory effects. Macromolecules, 2025, 58: 6005–601610.1021/acs.macromol.5c01057 ↗
47. Guo H, Rautiainen JM, Zeng H, et al. Supramolecular chalcogen-bonded shape memory actuators. Angew Chem Int Ed, 2025, 64: e20250810110.1002/anie.202508101 ↗
48. Wang W, Cheng W, Liu F, et al. Hollow cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer fiber with synergistically enhanced resilience and mechanochromic sensitivity. Adv Sci, 2025, 12: e0448710.1002/advs.202504487 ↗
49. Li YL, Liu K, Wu HM, et al. Photonic fibrous liquid crystal elastomer actuators. Chin J Polym Sci, 2025, 43: 597–60410.1007/s10118-025-3286-x ↗
50. Liu Y, Yang Q, Liu Q, et al. Tailoring Diels–Alder cross-linked liquid crystal elastomers for spatially programmable monolithic actuators. ACS Macro Lett, 2025, 14: 495–50110.1021/acsmacrolett.5c00117 ↗
51. Tian J, Shi C, Nie G, et al. Programmable and reversible 3D-to-3D shape transformation: hierarchical multimodal morphing based on liquid crystal elastomers. Adv Sci, 2025, 12: e0792210.1002/advs.202507922 ↗
52. Das G, Park SY. Liquid crystalline elastomer actuators with dynamic covalent bonding: synthesis, alignment, reprogrammability, and self-healing. Curr Opin Solid State Mater Sci, 2023, 27: 10107610.1016/j.cossms.2023.101076 ↗
53. Valenzuela C, Chen Y, Wang L, et al. Functional liquid crystal elastomers based on dynamic covalent chemistry. Chem Eur J, 2022, 28: e20220195710.1002/chem.202201957 ↗
54. Liu J, Jiang H, Tian J, et al. Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers: from materials to applications. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e2460610.1002/adfm.202524606 ↗
55. Li C, Li J, Duan H, et al. Recent progress in liquid crystal elastomer actuators: mechanisms, fabrication, and multifunctional applications. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e1406310.1002/adfm.202514063 ↗
56. Dong Z, Wang Y, Chen J, et al. Acylsemicarbazide-based supramolecular liquid crystal elastomers: from molecular design to melt-processing actuators. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e2464310.1002/adfm.202524643 ↗
57. Xu Z, Zhang S, Sun X, et al. Machine learning-assisted inverse design of 3D shape morphing in liquid crystal elastomer composite strips. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e2692410.1002/adfm.202526924 ↗
58. Xu L, Zhu C, Lamont SC, et al. Body temperature actuated liquid crystal elastomers from hyper tensile preprogramming. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, 35: 242403310.1002/adfm.202424033 ↗
59. Fowler HE, Pearl HM, Hoang JD, et al. Liquid crystal elastomers prepared by Thiol–Ene photopolymerization amenable to surface-enforced alignment. Macromolecules, 2024, 57: 2619–262710.1021/acs.macromol.3c02291 ↗
60. Ni B, Liu G, Zhang M, et al. Large-size honeycomb-shaped and iris-like liquid crystal elastomer actuators. CCS Chem, 2022, 4: 847–85410.31635/ccschem.021.202100818 ↗
61. Mouhoubi R, Lapinte V, Blanquer S. Programmable liquid crystal elastomers via magnetic field assisted oligomerization. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, 35: 242440010.1002/adfm.202424400 ↗
62. Zhao H, Chen Z, Li J, et al. Spatiotemporally programmed dielectric liquid crystal elastomer: electro-reversible 3D morphing via inverse 4D printing. Sci Adv, 2025, 11: eaeb228910.1126/sciadv.aeb2289 ↗
63. Jiang ZC, Liu Q, Xiao YY, et al. Liquid crystal elastomers for actuation: a perspective on structure-property-function relation. Prog Polym Sci, 2024, 153: 10182910.1016/j.progpolymsci.2024.101829 ↗
64. Jiang H, Chung C, Dunn ML, et al. 4D printing of liquid crystal elastomer composites with continuous fiber reinforcement. Nat Commun, 2024, 15: 849110.1038/s41467-024-52716-5 ↗
65. Ford MJ, Porcincula DH, Telles R, et al. Movement with light: photoresponsive shape morphing of printed liquid crystal elastomers. Matter, 2024, 7: 1207–122910.1016/j.matt.2024.01.006 ↗
66. Bruining T, Tomé DR, Liu D. Shape programming of liquid crystal elastomers by two-stage wavelength-selective photopolymerization. Mater Horiz, 2026, 13: 243–25110.1039/D5MH01907A ↗
67. Liu P, Xu K, Gao Q, et al. Graphene with multiscale synergistic optimization: achieving superior cross-band electromagnetic wave absorption performance. J Mater Chem C, 2025, 13: 5097–510910.1039/D4TC05135A ↗
68. Wang F, Bi R, Chen Y, et al. 4D printing of carbon-fiber-reinforced liquid crystal elastomers for self-deployable solar panels. Mater Horiz, 2025, 12: 5315–532410.1039/D5MH00363F ↗
69. Zang T, Fu S, Cheng J, et al. 4D printing of shape-morphing liquid crystal elastomers. Chem Bio Eng, 2024, 1: 488–51510.1021/cbe.4c00027 ↗
70. Yang H, Wu D, Zheng S, et al. Fabrication and photothermal actuation performances of electrospun carbon nanotube/liquid crystal elastomer blend yarn actuators. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2024, 16: 9313–932210.1021/acsami.3c18164 ↗
71. Zhang J, Xue P, Liu D, et al. Multi-stimulus responsive liquid metals-integrated liquid crystal elastomers actuator with sensing function. Chem Eng J, 2025, 522: 16726710.1016/j.cej.2025.167267 ↗
72. Espíndola-Pérez ER, Campo J, Sánchez-Somolinos C. Multimodal and multistimuli 4D-printed magnetic composite liquid crystal elastomer actuators. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2024, 16: 2704–271510.1021/acsami.3c14607 ↗
73. Zhang X, Wu D, Zhang J, et al. Scalable, robust and durable graphene oxide@liquid crystal elastomer fiber actuator with three-dimensional complex photothermal actuation for soft robotics and smart textiles. Chem Eng J, 2025, 519: 16554310.1016/j.cej.2025.165543 ↗
74. Wang L, Evenchik AL, Yang JM, et al. Autonomous codesign and fabrication of multistimuli-responsive material systems. Sci Adv, 2025, 11: eadx440910.1126/sciadv.adx4409 ↗
75. Yue L, Debije MG, Schenning APHJ. Stimuli-responsive afterglow from luminescent liquid crystal elastomers. Adv Mater, 2025, e1692210.1002/adma.202516922 ↗
76. Ren X, Liu Z, Zhang Q, et al. Carbon black-containing cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers enabling multi-level information encryption and multimode actuation. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e1759710.1002/adfm.202517597 ↗
77. Wang J, Zhou H, Fan Y, et al. Adaptive nanotube networks enabling omnidirectionally deformable electro-driven liquid crystal elastomers towards artificial muscles. Mater Horiz, 2024, 11: 1877–188810.1039/D4MH00107A ↗
78. Liu X, Zhou X, Liu Z. Strengthening liquid crystal elastomer muscles. Acc Chem Res, 2025, 58: 907–91810.1021/acs.accounts.4c00842 ↗
79. Telles R, Kotikian A, Freychet G, et al. Spatially programmed alignment and actuation in printed liquid crystal elastomers. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2025, 122: e241496012210.1073/pnas.2414960122 ↗
80. Wang W, Guo X, Zhang Y, et al. Graded crosslinked networks for tuning liquid crystal elastomer fibers performance and constructing textile-based devices. Chem Eng J, 2025, 519: 16524810.1016/j.cej.2025.165248 ↗
81. Deng Y, Liu G, Brûlet A, et al. Interpenetrating liquid crystal elastomer and ionogel as tunable electroactive actuators and sensors. Adv Funct Mater, 2024, 34: 240389210.1002/adfm.202403892 ↗
82. He E, Wang Y, Yao Y, et al. Fabricating liquid crystal actuators: from small pre-strain to large actuation strain. Chem Sci, 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SC07967E10.1039/D5SC07967E ↗
83. Yang G, Dong L, Ren M, et al. Coiled carbon nanotube fibers sheathed by a reinforced liquid crystal elastomer for strong and programmable artificial muscles. Nano Lett, 2024, 24: 9608–961610.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02239 ↗
84. Maurin V, Chang Y, Ze Q, et al. Liquid crystal elastomer-liquid metal composite: ultrafast, untethered, and programmable actuation by induction heating. Adv Mater, 2023, 36: 230276510.1002/adma.202302765 ↗
85. Wang Y, He Q, Wang Z, et al. Liquid crystal elastomer based dexterous artificial motor unit. Adv Mater, 2023, 35: 221128310.1002/adma.202211283 ↗
86. Ma J, Wang Y, Sun J, et al. Liquid crystal elastomer hollow fibers as artificial muscles with large and rapid actuation enabled by thermal-pneumatic enhanced effect. Adv Funct Mater, 2024, 34: 240240310.1002/adfm.202402403 ↗
87. Wang Y, He E, Liang H, et al. Thermally gated covalent adaptivity in liquid crystal elastomers for stable actuation. Angew Chem Int Ed, 2025, 64: e20250657110.1002/anie.202506571 ↗
88. Cho J, Lee M, Park T, et al. Bio-inspired artificial muscle-tendon complex of liquid crystal elastomer for bidirectional afferent-efferent signaling. Adv Mater, 2026, 38: e0309410.1002/adma.202503094 ↗
89. Jing S, Huang J, Wang H, et al. A solvent-templated porous liquid crystal elastomer with tactile sensation beyond reversible actuation toward versatile artificial muscles. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2024, 16: 25404–2541410.1021/acsami.4c03930 ↗
90. Martinez AP, Ng A, Nah SH, et al. Active-textile yarns and embroidery enabled by wet-spun liquid crystalline elastomer filaments. Adv Funct Mater, 2024, 34: 240074210.1002/adfm.202400742 ↗
91. Ma J, Yang Z. Smart liquid crystal elastomer fibers. Matter, 2025, 8: 10195010.1016/j.matt.2024.101950 ↗
92. Yao Y, Wang X, Huang W, et al. Low-temperature driven liquid crystal elastomer fibers and smart terry fabrics. Adv Funct Mater, 2025, e1531910.1002/adfm.202515319 ↗
93. Liu H, He Y, Luo J, et al. Multimodal actuation and precise control in liquid crystal elastomer optical fiber artificial muscles. Adv Mater, 2025, 37: e0577610.1002/adma.202505776 ↗
94. Lee JH, Oh S, Jeong I, et al. Redefining the limits of actuating fibers via mesophase control: From contraction to elongation. Sci Adv, 2025, 11: eadt761310.1126/sciadv.adt7613 ↗
95. Hou W, Wang J, Lv J. Bioinspired liquid crystalline spinning enables scalable fabrication of high-performing fibrous artificial muscles. Adv Mater, 2023, 35: 221180010.1002/adma.202211800 ↗
96. Dong X, Zhou X, Li L, et al. Monodomain liquid crystal elastomer bionic muscle fibers with excellent mechanical and actuation properties. iScience, 2023, 26: 10635710.1016/j.isci.2023.106357 ↗
97. Wu D, Zhang Y, Yang H, et al. Scalable functionalized liquid crystal elastomer fiber soft actuators with multi-stimulus responses and photoelectric conversion. Mater Horiz, 2023, 10: 2587–259810.1039/D3MH00336A ↗
98. Leanza S, Lu-Yang J, Kaczmarski B, et al. Elephant trunk inspired multimodal deformations and movements of soft robotic arms. Adv Funct Mater, 2024, 34: 240039610.1002/adfm.202400396 ↗
99. Wang X, Yao Y, Zhang Y, et al. Large-torque and fast-response electrothermal-motivated liquid crystal elastomer twisted yarn actuators. Chem Eng J, 2024, 499: 15618010.1016/j.cej.2024.156180 ↗
100. Lin C, Yang M, Zhang F, et al. Stimuli-responsive smart materials for biomedical applications. Mater Sci Eng-R-Rep, 2026, 167: 10112610.1016/j.mser.2025.101126 ↗