Smart Responsive Materials for Sensors and Actuators

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in the fabrication techniques have enabled the production of different types of sensors and actuators that can be utilized in a wide range of applications, such as detectors, soft robotics, biomedical, and smart textiles. Smart responsive materials have been increasingly popular in the field of sensors and actuators due to their unique physical and chemical properties, which enable them to respond dynamically to external stimuli such as radiation, temperature, chemical reactions, external forces, and magnetic and electric fields. The research presented in this Special Issue underscores the significant potential of smart responsive materials in creating the next generation of smart materials and devices. As the field continues to evolve, these materials are expected to play a crucial role in a wide array of technological advancements, from environmental sensing and healthcare monitoring to soft robots and beyond. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

1. Stimuli-responsive materials (liquid crystals, carbon nanotubes, graphenes, mxenes, shape memory alloys, hydrogels, polymers, elastomers, etc.).
2. Dynamic responses to external stimuli (new mechanisms for sensing and responding to diverse stimuli, more complex and versatile sensing and actuation capabilities, and their potential applications in various fields).
3. Advancements in fabrication techniques (additive manufacturing, 3D printing, DLP, weaving, and knitting).
4. Sensing applications (showcases the utilization of smart responsive materials in developing advanced sensors for environmental and wearable health monitors).
5. Actuation applications (explores the design and implementation of actuators made from smart responsive materials for applications in soft robotics, biomimetic devices, and human–computer-interaction).
6. Smart textiles and wearable technologies (smart textiles, wearable sensors, electronic devices, human–computer-interaction).
7. Soft robots (robotic materials, soft robotics, self-reconfigurable robotics, bioinspired robotics).
8. Sustainability and environmental impact (evaluates the environmental footprint of smart responsive materials, including their production processes, recyclability, and potential applications in waste management and pollution control).
9. Artificial intelligence (AI-empowered smart responsive materials for sensing and actuation, explores how AI enhances the design, optimization and performance of sensors and actuators made from smart responsive materials, revolutionizing their efficiency and adaptability).
10. Challenges and future directions (identifies the current challenges facing the field, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term stability, and outlines potential avenues for future research and development).

Dr. Zhongqiang Yang
Prof. Dr. Ruimao Hua
Guest Editors

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• smart responsive materials
• additive manufacturing
• sensors
• actuators
• environmental and healthcare monitoring
• smart textiles
• soft robots
• human–computer interaction
• artificial intelligence