Programmable Shape Morphing Metasponge

Smart materials respond to environmental signals by changing their microstructure and physical properties. Programming multiple behaviors and functions into a single material could increase its utility and adaptability to ever‐changing environmental conditions. A swellable and stretchable metamaterial hydrogel or “metasponge” engineered to morph into customized sizes and shapes that dynamically tune its physical properties and functions is reported. Multiple case studies that take advantage of the morphing properties of the metasponge, including robotic actuation, light guidance, optical and sonic invisibility (“cloaking”), adaptation of propulsion mode, sampling, and multiple biomedical applications, are illustrated. Developing multifunctional smart materials in which logic is programmed into the materials rather than electronic components could pave a new path to autonomy and dynamic responses in soft robots, sensors, and actuators. A metamaterial hydrogel or “metasponge” that can morph into customized sizes and shapes, dynamically tuning its physical properties and functions, is reported. The use of the metaspoge for robotic actuation, light guidance, camouflage, sampling, and biomedical applications is demonstrated. Multifunctional smart materials with programmed logic could provide dynamic responses in soft robots, sensors, and actuators.