Diederik Wiersma will discuss the applications of a new class of photonic materials based on smart polymers that respond to external stimuli. These materials can change shape and size based on the environmental conditions. Since their photonic properties are also based on their structure, it is possible to create photonic arms and legs with a certain “smart” response. It is, for instance, possible to create a microscopic hand that recognizes particles of certain colors, grabbing them automatically. Various applications will be discussed that range from robotics to biomedical devices and new materials for photonic data storage and security.