Recent Advances in Photoactuators and Their Applications in Intelligent Bionic Movements

Abstract Photoactuators that can produce a reversible mechanical deformation under light stimuli have attracted tremendous interest in the recent years owing to the advantages of abundant availability of resources, remote and accurate control, and applicability in soft robots, sensors and biomimetic devices. In this study, the recent advances in photoactuators related to actuation mechanisms (photothermal and photochemical), fabricaton from different configurations and types of materials, and their potential applications in bionic movements are reviewed. The opportunities and challenges in this field are also discussed, such as fabricating actuators with robust mechanical properties and superior actuating performance, seeking effective actuation mechanisms, and widening the range of applications. This review provides an insight into designing high‐performance, multi‐functional photoactuators and serves as a motivation for their development in future.