Utilizing mechanical instability of LCEs to achieve rapid actuation. (A) An LCE film is prepared by stacking patterned LCEs to create a modulus gradient through the thickness. Upon heating, the laminated LCE jumps from the hot surface due to a snap-through instability. Reprinted with permission from Ref [127]. (B) An LCN monolith with 270° super twisted nematic alignment of mesogens undergoes mechanical snap-through instability, resulting in the jumping motion. Scale bar: 2.5 mm. Reprinted with permission from Ref [128].