Electret materials for tele-perception

Abstract

Tele-perception is an emerging non-contact sensing paradigm that enables long-range perception and establishes a new interface for intelligent human-machine interaction. Unlike conventional tactile sensing, tele-perception relies on material-generated spatial electrostatic fields, placing unprecedented demands on electret materials capable of generating, retaining and dynamically regulating electric fields. However, current electret research lacks a unified materials framework tailored to tele-perception. Here, we establish a materials perspective that classifies tele-perception electrets into electron-trapping and iontronic electret systems. Electron-trapping electrets generate persistent electrostatic fields through electron trapping and dielectric polarization, whereas iontronic electrets enable adaptive field modulation through ionic migration and space-charge redistribution. We further propose a paradigm shift from passive charge-trapping materials to active spatial electric-field engineering, establishing a unified materials design strategy for next-generation tele-perception toward embodied intelligence, autonomous robotics, and intelligent sensing in complex and dynamic environments.