The miniaturization of autonomous systems down to the colloidal scale requires transferring functions, such as sensing or reconfiguration, to the constituent materials. Currently, limitations in fabrication and control strategies remain prevalent. Here, we combine directed particle assembly via capillary forces with multiple thermoresponsive microscale hydrogels to realize colloidal clusters that can self-propel under AC electric fields and that explore multiple dynamical states via well-defined temperature-induced transitions controlled by light.
These simple, multistate active units constitute a promising step toward advancing our capabilities to fabricate small-scale adaptive agents, inspired by larger-scale soft robotic systems, in a conceivably not-too-distant future.
