Site-selective reprogrammable actuators for soft robotic systems using plasmonic photothermal conversion

Reprogrammable actuators can enhance their motion versatility through responsive shape deformations. Localized heat generation is a prominent strategy for achieving reprogrammability, exemplified by polymer network reorganization within liquid crystal elastomers or hard magnetic filler realignment in magnetic elastomers. While conventional heating methods enable the thermal reprogramming of entire actuators, achieving site-selective reprogramming remains a challenge. Plasmonic nanostructures convert light into heat in a highly controllable manner, depending on the excitation wavelength and polarization. By incorporating these nanostructures as site-selective heating agents into designated regions of an actuator, a more accessible reprogramming method can be plausible. We provide our perspectives on the operational mechanisms underpinning selective plasmonic photothermal conversion and outline a design strategy for creating site-selectively reprogrammable actuator systems.