Programmable Materials

Related is this mesmerizing video by designer Dana Zelig that employs 3D printed Shrinky Wrap and light to produce a demo of the "sinuous flatland ballet" that could be possible with programmable matter:

http://www.fastcodesign.com/3048940/the-magical-beauty-of-pr...

Can't help thinking that there is some golden ratio of piezo-electric crystals and carbon epoxy composites that would make a material that is not just programmable but also able to self-generate its own power supply ;)

I was surprised to see no mention of electroactive polymers[1].

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroactive_polymers