Core Insights - Smart materials have emerged as a cutting-edge direction in the new materials field, with the potential to profoundly change human society through deep integration with artificial intelligence [1][6] Summary by Sections Definition and Characteristics of Smart Materials - Smart materials are defined as materials that can sense environmental changes, make judgments, and execute commands, distinguishing them from traditional materials [2] - Key characteristics include the ability to actively change shape, hardness, color, and function in response to external stimuli, integrating sensing, driving, and information processing [2][3] Types and Applications of Smart Materials - At least twenty types of smart materials have been identified, including: - Piezoelectric materials for energy conversion and vibration control - Shape memory alloys used in medical devices like stents - Magnetostrictive materials for ultrasound transducers - Electrorheological and magnetorheological materials for adaptive dampers in vehicles - Self-healing materials for automotive applications [3][4][5] Integration with Artificial Intelligence - The concept of "wise materials" has been introduced, where smart materials are enhanced with AI capabilities, allowing them to make autonomous decisions and adapt to their environment [6] - Examples of applications include AI-controlled prosthetics and smart lenses that adjust focus based on eye movement [6] Market Potential and Future Outlook - The global smart materials market is projected to reach up to $250 billion by 2030, driven by advancements in AI, brain science, and biotechnology [7] - In various sectors, smart materials are expected to lead to innovations such as personalized medical treatments, green energy solutions, and enhanced safety systems [7] Current Status and Challenges - While China leads in basic research and certain advanced fields, there remains a gap in the transformation of consumer products and the establishment of an industrial ecosystem compared to developed countries [8] - Emphasis is placed on the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate product development and application [8]