As sixth-generation (6G) wireless communications push edge nodes toward higher densities and multi‑task collaboration, environment‑responsive reconfigurable antennas that operate without auxiliary control circuitry can simultaneously provide sensing, communications, and lower node‑level power budgets, offering a viable route to overcoming front‑end bottlenecks. Here, we integrate an environment‑responsive passive actuator that is sensitive to multiple ambient factors into the antenna architecture and demonstrate a prototype whose geometry, operating frequency, and radiation pattern can all be dynamically reconfigured. A layered actuator comprising an ultrathin electrodeposited nickel (Ni)–aurum (Au) substrate and a cobalt (Co)-doped brinessite-type manganese dioxide (δ-MnO 2 ) actuating transition etal oxide (TMO) delivers large strain, rapid response, and straightforward fabrication. The Ni–Au substrate functions as the antenna radiator, while the actuating layer generates reversible stress under ambient stimuli that reshapes the radiation structure, unifying actuation and radiation within a single structure. Systematic studies of actuation behaviors, material properties, radiation performance, and energy‑harvesting application show that the actuator is well suited to adaptive communication and to electromagnetic devices that can sense environmental factors, as envisioned for edge nodes. The proposed strategy can be extended to a broad range of antenna topologies and even to metasurfaces. These findings demonstrate the potential of TMO-based actuators in the development of next-generation intelligent antennas for adaptive wireless communication systems.
Zou et al. (Sun,) studied this question.