The article reviews recent advances in the development of robust and ultra-thin lithium metal anodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The authors highlight the challenges and opportunities in achieving high energy density and stability in Li metal batteries, particularly focusing on the issues of dendrite formation, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, and "dead lithium" generation. They also discuss the processability issues of lithium metal, such as its high reactivity and poor mechanical properties, which hinder its scalable processing. Key advancements in manufacturing ultra-thin lithium metal electrodes are outlined, including roll pressing, molten lithium infusion, chemical and electrochemical methods, and vacuum evaporation. Roll pressing, a widely used method, has been improved by adding anti-pressure antiwear additives and alloying techniques to enhance mechanical strength and reduce stickiness. Molten lithium infusion, which couples lithium with robust substrates, has shown great potential for preparing ultra-thin composite lithium electrodes. Chemical and electrochemical methods allow for more precise control of electrode thickness by manipulating reaction kinetics and conditions. Vacuum evaporation techniques, though less explored due to lithium's air-sensitivity, have demonstrated potential in surface modification and thin-film deposition. The article concludes by discussing the remaining challenges and future prospects in the field, emphasizing the need for further research to achieve practical and high-performance lithium metal batteries.The article reviews recent advances in the development of robust and ultra-thin lithium metal anodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The authors highlight the challenges and opportunities in achieving high energy density and stability in Li metal batteries, particularly focusing on the issues of dendrite formation, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, and "dead lithium" generation. They also discuss the processability issues of lithium metal, such as its high reactivity and poor mechanical properties, which hinder its scalable processing. Key advancements in manufacturing ultra-thin lithium metal electrodes are outlined, including roll pressing, molten lithium infusion, chemical and electrochemical methods, and vacuum evaporation. Roll pressing, a widely used method, has been improved by adding anti-pressure antiwear additives and alloying techniques to enhance mechanical strength and reduce stickiness. Molten lithium infusion, which couples lithium with robust substrates, has shown great potential for preparing ultra-thin composite lithium electrodes. Chemical and electrochemical methods allow for more precise control of electrode thickness by manipulating reaction kinetics and conditions. Vacuum evaporation techniques, though less explored due to lithium's air-sensitivity, have demonstrated potential in surface modification and thin-film deposition. The article concludes by discussing the remaining challenges and future prospects in the field, emphasizing the need for further research to achieve practical and high-performance lithium metal batteries.