Molecular machines for life-like adaptive matter

Biological systems adapt to their environment by using the work of biomolecular machines, whose operation is harnessed by coupling with hierarchically organized assemblies and networks. In this thesis, I show how artificial molecular machines can mediate adaptive responses to light in inanimate matter. The motion of these machines is brought to the functional level by cooperative effects in liquid crystalline systems. As a result, the dynamic functional systems and materials presented in this thesis reach beyond the state of the art, by driving macroscopic motion continuously, purposefully, and effectively.