Robot-based automatic placement equipment can efficiently manufacture complex composite components, which has attracted great attention from the aerospace industry at home and abroad. According to the current research status of robotic efficient automatic placement, the development history of robotic automatic placement equipment is introduced. Meanwhile, the characteristics and development of the fiber placement head and robot are summarized. Besides, the related software technologies and applications at home and abroad are analyzed. Finally, the development trend of robotic automatic placement equipment to achieve more efficient placement is prospected.