The transition from hydraulic braking to fully electromechanical braking changes more than the mechanism used to generate the braking force. In an EMB system, the driver or automated-driving controller sends an electronic braking request, while an actuator located at each wheel converts this request into clamping force. As a result, the master cylinder, hydraulic lines and brake fluid can be removed from the conventional force-transmission path. Independent wheel actuation also creates opportunities for more accurate brake-force distribution and closer coordination with regenerative braking, stability-control functions and automated-driving systems. However, eliminating the hydraulic backup path transfers a greater part of the safety responsibility to the electrical, electronic, and mechanical components of the EMB system. A failure of the actuator, communication network or electrical power supply must therefore be detected and managed without causing an unacceptable loss of braking capability. Actuator durability, thermal loading, power-supply redundancy, fault-tolerant control and cybersecurity are consequently central design concerns rather than secondary implementation issues. Their resolution will largely determine whether fully electromechanical braking can progress from limited industrial applications to broader series-production use. This review analyses the development of EMB technology by examining system architectures, actuator concepts, control methods, sensing and diagnostic functions, functional-safety strategies and integration into electric and automated vehicle platforms.