The extensive application of industrial robots has become one of the key characteristics of smart manufacturing. With the accelerated advancement of intelligent manufacturing

robotic smart manufacturing is emerging as a crucial driver for industrial transformation and upgrading. In this context

this paper focuses on the challenges faced by the aviation industry

including high precision

multi-variety

variable-batch

and large-scale customized production

and systematically reviews the development status of robotic smart manufacturing in this field. The study highlights key technological advances such as high-precision perception and environmental modeling

precision manufacturing and control of individual robots

multi-robot collaborative and optimization

human–robot collaboration and hybrid operations

and digital twin-enabled manufacturing control. Furthermore

typical engineering practices and application results of robotic smart manufacturing in representative aircraft assembly scenarios are analyzed. This work aims to explore new-quality productive forces for the aviation industry under the paradigm of robotic smart manufacturing and to provide new pathways and momentum for its intelligent transformation and sustainable upgrading.