We realize optofluidic platforms based on the properties (photovoltaic and pyroelectric effect) of specific materials such as lithium niobate (LiNbO3) to actuate and control the motion of water droplets over properly engineered surfaces. Droplet motion is achieved by creating virtual reconfigurable electrodes using light fields, overcoming common drawbacks of electrowetting. Moreover, a lubricant infused layer (LIS) is realized over solid surface of the material to reduce friction. We realized on an open surface all the basic handling operations, that can be found in a common closed microfluidic device: droplet actuation, merging and even splitting.