This paper provides a comprehensive review of the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of rock mechanics, tracing the evolution of AI methodologies from foundational techniques to modern deep learning frameworks. The core contribution of this paper lies in its synthesis of the current state of AI applications in rock engineering, highlighting the diverse ways in which AI is transforming the field. The paper begins by discussing the historical context of AI in rock mechanics, starting with early methods like backpropagation and support vector machines, and then transitions to modern deep learning architectures such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformer models. It emphasizes the roles of AI in various aspects of rock engineering, including microstructure reconstruction, mechanical parameter estimation, constitutive modeling, and real-time hazard prediction. The paper also delves into emerging techniques like physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) and graph-based learning, which aim to bridge the gap between data-driven inference and physical interpretability. A significant portion of the paper is dedicated to showcasing the diverse applications of AI in rock mechanics, providing examples of how these techniques are used in practice. For instance, it discusses the use of CNNs for automating the segmentation and quantification of rock fractures, and the application of PINNs for embedding governing physical laws directly into loss functions. The paper also touches upon the challenges associated with data quality, model generalization, and interpretability, acknowledging the limitations of current approaches. It concludes with a forward-looking perspective, envisioning the development of next-generation intelligent frameworks capable of coupling physical knowledge, spatial reasoning, and adaptive learning. While the paper does not present original research, its value lies in its ability to synthesize a large body of work and provide a clear overview of the current state and future directions of AI in rock mechanics. The paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field, offering insights into the potential of AI to revolutionize rock engineering.