Multilayer Soft Photonic Arrays Inspired by Cephalopod Skin for High‐Density, Independent, and Multimodal Actuation

ABSTRACT Nature's dynamic coloration mechanisms, as seen in cephalopods and chameleons, offer a model for high‐resolution, adaptive optical systems. Synthetic counterparts have advanced through soft photonic materials driven by various stimuli, yet key challenges remain in achieving fast, localized, and programmable color modulation within scalable architectures. Here, a multilayered dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA)‐driven photonic array inspired by the hierarchical skin structure of cephalopods is presented. By stacking DEA‐photonic units in separate vertical layers, our architecture eliminates lateral mechanical interference, enabling densely packed, independently addressable pixel arrays with a theoretical 100% fill factor. A custom high‐voltage multiplexing circuit enables sequential actuation of each layer from a single high voltage (HV) source, reducing system complexity. This system demonstrates reconfigurable pattern rendering—such as alphanumeric and spatial gradients—and synchronized multimodal output including optical and acoustic responses. This vertically integrated strategy overcomes critical limitations in lateral crosstalk and electrical scalability, laying the foundation for next‐generation soft photonic devices including adaptive displays, intelligent surfaces, and robotic skins with biomimetic responsiveness and functionality.