The sensitivity and anti-interference ability of pyrotechnics is important to ammunition safety. Therefore, improving insensitive pyrotechnics is the key point for the insensitive weapon research. Most advanced techniques, such as light, electricity, and magnetism are taking place of fire and heat in pyrotechnics, making pyrotechnics much more safety. The advances in the areas of new techniques and new energetic materials for insensitive pyrotechnics are discussed. New techniques, such as laser ignition, explosive logic circuit, and slapper detonator, are reviewed. The structure, principle, history, and latest achievements are introduced. The research level between China and developed countries is compared with each other; the developing trend of these techniques is talked about. In addition, new energetic materials invented by developed countries, such as LLM-105, DAAzF, FOX-7, TNAZ are summarized, and their developing status is introduced. By comparing the differences between China and developed countries, the shortcoming of China is pointed out, particularly some deficiencies in insensitive pyrotechnics. Some suggestions about the development strategy of insensitive pyrotechnics are given. Insensitive pyrotechnics is the key point of weapon safety, since the battle field survivability of soldiers and battle platforms become the factor of victory or defeat. It is also important to efficiently translate them into the productivity and fighting capacity by following the latest scientific research, working hard on self-determination innovation, and planning new product applications.