Reversible Stepless Multiple Shape Memory Polymer Comprising Amorphous Region as Switching Phase

Abstract Soft robots are an emerging type of robot that frequently comprises flexible or elastic materials and provide novel solutions to the challenges that cannot be satisfactorily addressed using conventional rigid robots. Soft robots based on reversible shape memory polymers (RSMPs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their reversible deformations under external stimuli. However, their activation temperature (phase transition temperature) is fixed. After activation, the mechanical properties of RSMPs considerably deteriorate because of the phase transition upon heating, leading to a low work density. These drawbacks substantially limit the practical and widespread application of RSMPs in soft robots. Herein, reversible stepless multiple shape memory polymers (SMPs) are proposed in which the amorphous region serves as a novel switching phase. Compared with the RSMPs comprising crystalline region and liquid crystalline phase as the switching phase, the prepared reversible stepless multiple SMP possesses a nonfixed activation temperature, reversible stepless multiple shape memory effect, high work density, and wide polymer selection range. Furthermore, the as‐developed polymer is used to create a bionic moving robot and soft actuator. The prepared soft actuator can drive an elevating stage up and down and trigger a soft lens set to change its focal length.