Based on the current development status of efficient rock crushing at home and abroad, the necessity of conducting research on its theory and technology is analyzed. The main advantages of nonlinear loads in rock crushing are introduced. The research progress of rock crushing under nonlinear loads is systematically analyzed in terms of nonlinear compression loading (uniaxial compression, Brazilian splitting and point load), impact loading (stress wave, mechanical impact and high-voltage electrical pulse) and vibration loading. This paper describes the advantages and disadvantages of different loading methods for breaking. In response to the problems in current research on rock crushing under nonlinear loads, the key directions for future study are proposed, such as rock mechanics model construction, macro-fine-micro multi-scale exploration, composite loading methods, energy testing and calculation, and application of intelligent technology.