Recent Advances in Programmable Surface Systems: A Material–Mechanism–Structure Perspective

Recent advances in programmable surface systems have opened new possibilities in stretchable electronics, where surfaces can actively morph their geometry and functionality in response to external stimuli. This review reports recent developments around three central pillars: functional materials, actuation mechanisms, and geometric design strategies. This framework allows for a unified understanding of how shape-morphing behavior emerges from the interplay between material composition and mechanical design, and it provides insights into how to tailor soft electronic surfaces for reconfigurability, multifunctionality, and robust performance across diverse applications in the fields of biomedical and aerospace engineering.