Laser is called “the fastest knife”, “the most accurate ruler”, and “the brightest light”. Together with the atomic energy, computer, and semiconductor, they are called the four new inventions in the 20th century. High power semiconductor lasers are widely used in industrial processing, medical cosmetology, optical fiber communication, unmanned driving, intelligent robot, and so on. How to realize high power semiconductor laser source has always been an international research frontier and a hot topic. Thus, the development history of high-power semiconductor lasers is briefly described. The common technologies of high-power semiconductor lasers, including high-power chip technology and high-power beam combining technology, are summarized. Finally, the development direction of high-power semiconductor lasers is prospected.