Soft Actuators of Liquid Crystal Polymers Fueled by Light from Ultraviolet to Near Infrared

Photodeformable liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) are a typical representative of shape‐changing systems capable of remotely converting light energy into mechanical actuation. Such smart polymeric materials combining the features of polymers and liquid crystals (LCs) are envisioned to bring new functionality and drive innovation in the fields of soft robotics, solar‐energy harvesting, and microfluidics. The photodeformable LCPs and their soft actuators fueled by light from ultraviolet to near infrared, including basic actuation as well as the primary mechanisms are focused on. The complex actuation is also highlighted with emphasis on the designed LC alignment, such as splayed, twisted, out‐plane, and patterned, which bridges the gap between the shape change and practical applications. Special attention is devoted to the progress of light‐fueled soft actuators, which are classified into different categories and comprehensively summarized in the aspects of materials, alignment, mechanisms, and light stimuli. An outlook on future challenges and limitations in the light‐fueled soft actuators are discussed at the end of this review. Photodeformable liquid crystal polymers as typical shape‐changing systems are envisioned to bring new functionality in the fields of soft robotics, solar‐energy harvesting, and microfluidics. Recent advances in complex actuation are highlighted with the emphasis on the liquid crystal alignment. The light‐fueled soft actuators are classified and summarized in the aspects of materials, alignment, mechanisms, and light stimuli.