This paper presents recent developments and future directions in key technologies for Smart Manufacturing. The study synthesises key themes and findings from recent studies, highlighting the utilisation of smart technologies such as IoT, Industry 4.0, and big data analytics in manufacturing environments. The paper analyses five scholarly articles published from 2018 onwards, chosen based on their impact, relevance, and exploration of smart manufacturing technologies. The search was based on the literature that included using different databases like IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar and with keywords like “smart manufacturing,” “Industry 4.0,” and “IoT in manufacturing.“ After an initial screening of titles and abstracts, articles were selected following the detailed extraction of studies for the review. Selection criteria included a substantial emphasis on peer-reviewed journal articles and high-impact conference papers in English. Data was extracted on publication details, research focus, technological aspects, applications, and identified challenges. The study identifies opportunities such as increased operational efficiency, enhanced quality assurance through real-time inspection, and improved supply chain optimisation. It also highlights challenges, including high implementation costs, cybersecurity risks, and the need for workforce upskilling. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of smart manufacturing's transformative potential and informs strategic decision-making in the manufacturing sector.