Worldwide research in microrobotics has exploded in the past two decades, leading to the development of microrobots propelled in various manners. Despite significant advances in the field and successful demonstration of a wide range of applications, microrobots have yet to become the preferred choice outside a laboratory environment. After introducing available microrobotic propulsion and control mechanisms, microrobots that are manufactured and powered by light are focused herein. Referring to pioneering works and recent interesting examples, light is presented not only as a fabrication tool, by means of two‐photon polymerization direct laser writing, but also as an actuator for microrobots in both hard and soft stimuli–responsive polymers. In this scenario, a number of challenges that yet prevent polymeric light‐powered microrobots from reaching their full potential are identified, whereas potential solutions to overcome said challenges are suggested. As an outlook, a number of real‐world applications that light‐powered microrobots should be particularly suited for are mentioned, together with the advances needed for them to achieve such purposes. An interdisciplinary approach combining materials science, microfabrication, photonics, and data science should be conducive to the next generation of microrobots and will ultimately foster the translation of microrobotic applications into the real world.

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators made from dielectrics like glass or polymers have outstanding optical properties like huge cavity quality (Q) factors which can be achieved on scales compatible with on-chip integration. However, tunability of these resonances is typically difficult to achieve or not suitable for robust device applications. We report here on the fabrication of polymeric micro-goblet WGM resonators with an optically controlled and stable reversible tunability over a large spectral range. This tunability is achieved by integration of photo-responsive liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) into micro-goblet cavities. The optical response of the elastomer allows reshaping the goblet by employing low pump power, leading to a fully reversible tuning of the modes. The structure can be realistically implemented in on-chip devices, combining the ultra-high Q factors, typical of WGM resonators, with reliable, optical tunability. This result serves as an example of how light can control light, by invoking a physical reshaping of the structure. This way of optical tuning creates interesting possibilities for all-optical control in circuits, enabling interaction between signal and control beams and the realization of self-tuning cavities.