A hydrogel-lightguide based sensory system susceptible to a stimulus signal produced by ambient and stimulating sensory cells embedded in a hydrogel body of the system. Sensory cells generate an optical signal (in response to a user-defined triggering with excitation light or, alternatively, due to bioluminescence) the properties of which, determined based on detection of such signal with an optical detector device, provide characterization of the stimulus and information required for user-defined activation of emitter cells encapsulated in the hydrogel. When activated, emitter cells generate matter and/or light directed to interact with the ambient.
