With the availability of micromachining methods, the rapid development of surface texturing technology in the past decade has led to a boom in the field of tribology. In this paper, according to the friction characteristics of several typical lubrication conditions, the application characteristics of surface micro-texturing technology are described, especially the effect and influence of the implementation on surface micro-textures in lubrication zone. The development potential and application effect of surface texturing on friction reduction and wear resistance, lubrication and drag reduction, corrosion prevention and life extension are analyzed. Under the practical need of intelligent manufacturing, the historical necessity of the development of surface texturing technology is discussed, and the different development speed of application and theories of surface texturing technology is clarified. Furthermore, combined with bionic design idea, the design theory and technology of surface micro- texturing are reviewed in the aspects of geometric structure design and topology optimization of surface micro-textures. It is emphasized that the theory and method of composite texture design need to be expanded, and the idea of bionic texture design often produces beneficial results. Finally, the tribological behavior characteristics of surface micro-texturing technology against the special application backgrounds, such as high and low temperatures, are discussed, and the application potential and value of surface texturing technology under extreme working conditions is expanded. Surface texturing technology is expected to play a more active role in controlling friction, reducing wear and improving lubrication, thus promoting the upgrading of related industries in China.