Intelligence and perception represent the benchmark capability of the new generations of intelligent robots and are missing from the mechanically capable modern robots. Research on robotic intelligence and perception is not new and many waves of research efforts have come and gone since the rise of the modern perception and psychophysics in early 20th century and the AI in mid 20th century. Recent revolutionary development and progress in information technology in terms of both hardware capability and software power have made it possible for researchers to redefine what robotic perception and intelligence are and rethink how research on the topics can take full advantage of the current information technology accomplishments. In this talk, we will start with an introduction to how research on perception and AI started and what the milestone achievements are, and then move onto topics from classic psychophysics and sensory substitution to modern concepts of multi-sensory information fusion, soft-haptics and active perception. Intuitive examples and application scenarios will be presented to illustrate key points and important concepts. Personal thoughts and projections on future research efforts and potentials in perception and AI will be outlined to conclude the talk.