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The Pathway to Intelligence: Using Stimuli‐Responsive Materials as Building Blocks for Constructing Smart and Functional Systems
Author(s) -
Zhang Xuan,
Chen Linfeng,
Lim Kang Hui,
Gonuguntla Spandhana,
Lim Kang Wen,
Pranantyo Dicky,
Yong Wai Pong,
Yam Wei Jian Tyler,
Low Zhida,
Teo Wee Joon,
Nien Hao Ping,
Loh Qiao Wen,
Soh Siowling
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201804540
Subject(s) - computer science , smart material , massively parallel , intelligent decision support system , robot , stimulus (psychology) , artificial intelligence , human–computer interaction , nanotechnology , materials science , psychology , parallel computing , psychotherapist
Systems that are intelligent have the ability to sense their surroundings, analyze, and respond accordingly. In nature, many biological systems are considered intelligent (e.g., humans, animals, and cells). For man‐made systems, artificial intelligence is achieved by massively sophisticated electronic machines (e.g., computers and robots operated by advanced algorithms). On the other hand, freestanding materials (i.e., not tethered to a power supply) are usually passive and static. Hence, herein, the question is asked: can materials be fabricated so that they are intelligent? One promising approach is to use stimuli‐responsive materials; these “smart” materials use the energy supplied by a stimulus available from the surrounding for performing a corresponding action. After decades of research, many interesting stimuli‐responsive materials that can sense and perform smart functions have been developed. Classes of functions discussed include practical functions (e.g., targeting and motion), regulatory functions (e.g., self‐regulation and amplification), and analytical processing functions (e.g., memory and computing). The pathway toward creating truly intelligent materials can involve incorporating a combination of these different types of functions into a single integrated system by using stimuli‐responsive materials as the basic building blocks.