Abstract
The classcial shape‐memory effect in polymers is a one‐way effect allowing a programmed material
to recover a permanent shape upon exposure to a suitable stimulus. Various stimuli besides heat
have been realized in polymer‐based materials for inducing SME and several consecutive shapechanges
could be implemented in one material. Recently, shape‐memory polymer actuators were
introduced allowing reversible shape‐changes controlled by temperature or magnetic fields. In this
lecture the general principles for programming polymers to exhibit shape recovery or actuation
behavior are explained and potential applications are outlined.
