<p>Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are essential smart materials that are favoured in the robotics, automotive, and aerospace industries due to their capacity to produce adaptable and multifunctional components. SMAs are distinguished from other alloys by their special shape memory effect and superelasticity. Replacing NiTi (nickel-titanium) with Cu-based SMAs for high-performance applications requires the fulfillment of several key criteria. These criteria center around specific property attributes encompassing mechanical aspects, cost, functionality, and environmental factors. The development of copper-based SMAs is reviewed herein, including their mechanical characteristics, problems with brittleness and thermal instability, and recent developments in alloy compositions and production methods. Research is still being conducted to develop specific strategies to overcome such inherent limitations via unique processing techniques, ternary additions, and tailored heat treatments. The review also delves deep into the potential of Cu-based SMAs in developing domains, emphasizing their bright future in robotics, electrocaloric devices, and high-temperature&#xa0;actuators.</p> Graphical abstract