Proximity sensing electronic skin has attracted significant attention due to its ability to detect objects without physical contact, with wide applications in human-robot collaboration, human-machine interfaces, and remote monitoring. This article reviews recent advancements in proximity sensing electronic skin technology, covering principles, characteristics, and applications. It discusses single-type and dual-type proximity sensors, emphasizing their large-area, multifunctional, strain-resistant, and self-healing capabilities. The paper also highlights the practical use of flexible proximity sensors in human-robot collaboration, human-machine interfaces, and remote monitoring, demonstrating their importance and potential value across various domains. Additionally, it provides insights into future advancements in flexible proximity sensor technology. The article covers transduction mechanisms of capacitive, triboelectric, semiconductor, and magnetic proximity sensors, discussing their advantages and challenges. It also explores the development of multifunctional sensors capable of detecting multiple stimuli, such as pressure, temperature, strain, and humidity. The paper highlights the importance of strain resistance and self-healing properties in enhancing the performance and applicability of flexible proximity sensors. Finally, it discusses the integration of dual-type proximity sensors to achieve more complex functions and improve sensor performance. The applications of proximity sensing electronic skin are discussed in the context of human-robot collaboration, human-machine interfaces, and remote monitoring, emphasizing their potential in various fields.Proximity sensing electronic skin has attracted significant attention due to its ability to detect objects without physical contact, with wide applications in human-robot collaboration, human-machine interfaces, and remote monitoring. This article reviews recent advancements in proximity sensing electronic skin technology, covering principles, characteristics, and applications. It discusses single-type and dual-type proximity sensors, emphasizing their large-area, multifunctional, strain-resistant, and self-healing capabilities. The paper also highlights the practical use of flexible proximity sensors in human-robot collaboration, human-machine interfaces, and remote monitoring, demonstrating their importance and potential value across various domains. Additionally, it provides insights into future advancements in flexible proximity sensor technology. The article covers transduction mechanisms of capacitive, triboelectric, semiconductor, and magnetic proximity sensors, discussing their advantages and challenges. It also explores the development of multifunctional sensors capable of detecting multiple stimuli, such as pressure, temperature, strain, and humidity. The paper highlights the importance of strain resistance and self-healing properties in enhancing the performance and applicability of flexible proximity sensors. Finally, it discusses the integration of dual-type proximity sensors to achieve more complex functions and improve sensor performance. The applications of proximity sensing electronic skin are discussed in the context of human-robot collaboration, human-machine interfaces, and remote monitoring, emphasizing their potential in various fields.