Herein, we report a remotely controlled
soft robot employing a
photoresponsive nanocomposite synthesized from liquid crystal elastomers
(LCEs), high elastic form-stable phase change polymer (HEPCP), and
multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Possessing a two-stage deformation
upon exposure to near-infrared (NIR) light, the LCE/HEPCP/MWCNT (LHM)
nanocomposite allows the soft robot to exhibit an obvious, fast, and
reversible shape change with low detection limitations. In addition
to the deformation and bending of the LCE molecular chains itself,
the HEPCP in the composite material can also be triggered by a reversible
solid–liquid transition due to the temperature rise caused
by MWCNTs, which further promotes the change of the LCE. In particular,
the proposed photodriven LHM soft robot can bend up to 180° in
2 s upon NIR stimulation (320 mW, distance of 5 cm) and generate recoverable,
dramatic, and sensitive deformation to execute various tasks including
walking, twisting, and bending. With the capacity of imitating biological
behaviors through remote control, the disruptive innovation developed
here offers a promising path toward miniaturized untethered robotic
systems.