A Multifunctional Ionograsper Enabling Ion-Redistribution Proximity Sensing and Structural-Reconfiguration-Driven Bidirectional Actuation.

Autonomous soft actuators are essential for untethered intelligent robotic systems. However, achieving energy-efficient operation and long-term shape retention in solid-state platforms remains a significant challenge, as most conventional systems rely on continuous power input or complex fluidic architectures. Here, we report an environmentally adaptive ionic actuator inspired by the Venus flytrap, capable of self-sensing and bidirectional deformation without sustained external energy. By incorporating azobenzene moieties into an ionogel network, we trigger a unique nanopore-mediated Janus actuation. A single, low-power UV pulse (35.3 mW cm-2) induces rapid photoisomerization and localized dehydration, forming surface nanopores that facilitate asymmetric moisture uptake. This structural reconfiguration drives directional bending that is passively maintained for over 10 min, which is an exceptionally long retention time compared to conventional soft actuators. Furthermore, electrification-induced voltage signals enable zero-bias proximity sensing. By integrating these synergistic characteristics, we demonstrate a biomimetic ionograsper that combines ion-redistribution-induced sensing with energy-efficient light-triggered actuation for sophisticated object manipulation. Overall, this work provides a robust strategy for developing multifunctional and power-efficient soft robots capable of intelligent environmental interaction.