From Multimodal Actuation to Mechanical Intelligence: An Evolutionary Analysis of Liquid Crystal Polymer–Driven Soft Robots

Soft robots are gradually evolving from simple deformation actuation to intelligent systems with autonomous decision-making ability. In this transition process, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) play a key role due to their unique anisotropy and programmable properties. Based on the material properties, this paper analyzes why LCEs can solve the pain point of poor environmental adaptability of traditional rigid robots. Then, aiming at the problems of slow response, limited energy, and other soft robotic issues, the evolution process of various actuation strategies, such as electrothermal, photothermal and thermal gradient, is discussed. Then, this paper analyzes the current cutting-edge trend of "de electronization" of software robots, in other words, the use of space-time precise light control and bistable mechanism to make the robot body have the ability of logical judgment. Finally, aiming at the practical problems of short material life and lack of closed-loop perception, the corresponding prospects are put forward.