  A zero mode, or floppy mode, is a non-trivial coupling of mechanical
components yielding a degree of freedom with no resistance to deformation.
Engineered zero modes have the potential to act as microscopic motors or memory
devices, but this requires an internal actuation mechanism that can overcome
unwanted fluctuations in other modes and the dissipation inherent in real
systems. In this work, we show theoretically and experimentally that complex
zero modes in mechanical networks can be selectively mobilized by
non-equilibrium activity. We find that a correlated active bath actuates an
infinitesimal zero mode while simultaneously suppressing fluctuations in higher
modes compared to thermal fluctuations, which we experimentally mimic by high
frequency shaking of a physical network. Furthermore, self-propulsive dynamics
spontaneously mobilise finite mechanisms as exemplified by a self-propelled
topological soliton. Non-equilibrium activity thus enables autonomous actuation
of coordinated mechanisms engineered through network topology.
