Programmable Shape Morphing of Liquid Crystal Elastomer

      Programming shape changes in soft materials require precisely controlling the directionality and magnitude of the mechanical response, which remains a challenge. As an ordered soft material, liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) provides a promising strategy to induce programmable shape-shifting by manipulating the molecular order. We propose a new technique to arrange molecular orientations in LCE without using any additive particles. Various complex reversible 3D shape transformations, including auxetic structures and undulating morphologies, are remotely programmed in a monolith via light irradiation. Besides, diverse functions such as bio-inspired shape changes of butterfly wings and flowers, dual-mode rotations, and dual-mode locomotion are also demonstrated. These programmable materials open opportunities in designing multifunctional devices in robotics, biomedicine, and flexible electronics.