C. elegans-inspired undulatory motion in a light-driven liquid crystal elastomer fiber

iScience 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yasaman Nemati, Ming Cheng, Zixuan Deng, Yanjun Liu, Arri Priimägi, Hao Zeng
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.114617
Cited by: 2
References: 33

Abstract

, realized in a millimeter-scale liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber actuator under water. We use the sequential excitation of four laser beams to generate bimorphic actuation between two segments of the LCE, with a 45-degree phase delay between two consequent deformation phases. The actuator demonstrates stable figure-eight-like trajectories and directional steering through laser power modulation. Furthermore, the actuation performance scales with fiber length, providing amplitude tuning and demonstrating programmable control of locomotion.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Materials and Mechanics Soft Robotics and Applications Micro and Nano Robotics

Publication details

Journal / source
iScience
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
29
Issue
2
Pages
114617–114617
Publication date
6 January 2026
Language
EN