Light‐Driven Soft Robot Mimics Caterpillar Locomotion in Natural Scale

Abstract

Soft robots that can be remotely powered and controlled and mimic locomotion of living species open new perspectives in science and engineering. A natural-scale monolithic caterpillar robot based on an optomechanical liquid crystalline elastomer with patterned molecular alignment is reported. The robot demonstrates different gaits and is capable of performing various tasks in complex environments. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.