Opto‐Magnetically Synergized Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators With Embedded Mechanochromic Self‐Sensing

ABSTRACT Soft mechanochromic systems have demonstrated significant potential in robotics and intelligent materials, yet critical limitations persist in achieving simultaneous multimodal stimulus responsiveness (e.g., light/magnetism) and high‐precision deformation sensing. Here, we develop an integrated cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer (CLCE) device with dual magnetic field and near‐infrared (NIR) light responsiveness. The bilayer architecture combines an NdFeB‐doped LCE actuation layer and a photonic CLCE sensing layer, establishing a quantitative correlation between magnetic field‐induced bending (0–120°) and structural color shifts (400–700 nm) at 0.468 nm/° resolution. Photothermal actuation achieves maximum bending angles of 145° (green), 120° (red), and 110° (blue) under NIR stimulation. Synergistic opto‐magnetic control enables precise modulation of mechanical response parameters while providing real‐time optical feedback. This integrated platform simultaneously achieves high detection accuracy and large deformation range. The intrinsic self‐sensing capability establishes a new paradigm for intelligent soft robotics requiring simultaneous actuation and deformation monitoring.