Advances in Electroactive Liquid Crystal Elastomers for Intelligent Robotics and Electronics

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Authors: Kavita Ramesh Rathod, S.H. Chon, Jae Hyuk Hwang, Sung‐Min Park, Woohwa Lee, Joonmyung Choi, S K Kim, Seung Hwan Ko, Changsoon Choi, S K Kim, Dong‐Gyun Kim, Habeom Lee
+3 more Kyung Gook Cho, Woon‐Hong Yeo, Hyun Kim
Cited by: 1
References: 193

Abstract

Electroactive liquid crystal elastomers (eLCEs) represent a rapidly emerging class of intelligent soft materials that integrate molecular anisotropy with electrical functionality. In this review, we classify eLCEs into two major subcategories: (i) robotic actuators, which enable programmable and reversible deformation in response to electrical stimuli, and (ii) adaptive electronics, which realize programmed morphing or functional reconfiguration. By coupling the orientational order of liquid crystals with the elasticity of polymer networks, robotic eLCEs convert electrical energy into mechanical actuation through diverse mechanisms, including electrothermal, electromechanical, electrostatic, and electrochemical pathways. In addition, electronic eLCEs primarily function as morphing substrates capable of controlled shape transformation, enabling reconfigurable electronic systems such as stretchable conductors, sensing antennas, and neural interfaces. To guide the field, this review provides an overview of activation mechanisms in eLCEs, followed by representative robotic and electronic applications with an emphasis on fabrication strategies that bridge material‐level advances toward next‐generation intelligent devices. Collectively, these advances highlight the significant potential of eLCEs for future soft robotics, adaptive electronics, and dynamic interface systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Materials and Mechanics Dielectric materials and actuators Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Robotics Research
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
2
Issue
4
Publication date
28 April 2026
Language
EN