Magnetically Responsive Polymer Composite Soft Robot Integrated with a Flexible Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode

Compliant polymers allow soft robotic systems to undergo reversible deformation and controlled movement under external stimuli. Magnetic fields are particularly useful because they provide remote and contactless actuation with high penetration and minimal physical damage. Here, we present a magnetically responsive soft robotic display integrated with a flexible alternating current driven quantum dot light emitting diode. The system combines magnetic deformation and locomotion with visual light emission. The device consists of a magnetic polymer composite and a flexible light emitting unit separated by an elastomeric spacer. The robotic body was prepared by dispersing hard ferromagnetic neodymium iron boron microparticles in a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. The polymer matrix provides softness and flexibility, while a surface silver nanowire network maintains electrical conductivity during deformation. After curing and magnetization, the composite exhibited vertical displacement and worm like locomotion according to magnetic field intensity and direction. The display unit was fabricated on a flexible polyethylene naphthalate substrate with parallel indium tin oxide electrodes. Charge transport layers, a quantum dot emissive layer, and an insulating layer were sequentially deposited. The display was combined with the magnetic composite and spacer to form mechanically controlled electrical contact. An external magnetic field deformed the robotic body and activated electroluminescence through contact with the display unit. The illuminated area varied with the degree of deformation and represented the intensity and orientation of the magnetic field. Light emission was also maintained during locomotion. Combining a functional polymer composite, flexible polymer substrate, and light emitting materials enables simultaneous mechanical and visual responses. This platform offers potential for haptic displays, magnetic sensing, and visually guided soft robotic navigation.