Programmable materials are materials or material composites whose structure is designed in such a way that their properties can be specifically controlled and reversibly changed. Complex and locally varying functions can be programmed into programmable materials. Depending on the application and situation, the material then assumes different states and material properties initiated by external triggers.

Programmable materials open up unique potential for new system solutions, as they take on essential system functionalities themselves, thus eliminating the need for additional system components such as sensors or actuators.

In contrast to smart materials, programmable materials go beyond merely controlling the properties of the material. With them, the entire material behavior can be reversibly and locally variably programmed and controlled using if-then relationships.

Why Programmable Materials?

Global megatrends such as climate change, the energy transition, access to clean water, e-mobility, and digitalization require not only political and social change but also disruptive technological solutions that enable the intelligent, efficient, and sustainable use of locally available resources.

Programmable materials have the potential to initiate a paradigm shift in the use of materials, as they replace technical systems consisting of many components and materials with a single, locally configured one. They thus enable smaller system sizes and reduce the complexity of the overall system as well as dependence on large infrastructures.

Especially in high-tech areas such as soft robotics, programmable materials can help to reduce the increasing vulnerability caused by complex miniaturization.

In addition to greater functional integration and the associated resource efficiency, programmable materials will also enable entirely new functionalities in the future that were previously impossible to achieve, such as modular, application-specific geometries.

Programmable materials offer particularly high potential where particularly high effectiveness or comfort, low space requirements, or a high degree of individuality are required. The cluster expects promising solutions with programmable materials in the following industries:

• Resource and energy efficiency (energy harvesting, solar technology, cooling, etc.)
• Environmental technologies (effective filter systems, indicator systems, etc.)
• Miniaturization of technologies (function integration, high functional density)
• Improved resilience (adaptability, self-healing, few moving parts)
• Medical and health technology (diagnostics, therapy, implants, etc.)