<p>Over the last few years, the study of adaptable light-driven actuators based on two-dimensional materials has risen to prominence as a pioneering research domain in the field of materials science and engineering. Graphene, transition metal disulfides (TMDs), MXene, and similar two-dimensional materials have shown considerable promise in the realms of nanotechnology and pliable electronics. This is attributed to their ultra-thin atomic layers, expansive specific surface areas, and exceptional electrical and optical characteristics. When these materials are integrated into flexible actuators, they can deform or move by absorbing light of a specific wavelength to change their physical state. Such actuators have shown great application prospects in many fields. At present, there are no review papers on the application of photothermal effects to optical drivers in 2D materials. This article offers a comprehensive review of the characteristics and optical properties of various two-dimensional substances. It delves into the photothermal effects of these materials in a range of sectors, highlighting their targeted deployment in the realm of optical actuation technology. Finally, some challenging problems and prospects in the field of optical drives for two-dimensional materials are proposed.</p>