Matrix converter (MC) is a direct AC-AC power converter without any electrolytic capacitors. The advantages of MC, such as compact structure, high power-density and high adaptability in severe environment, make it suitable for the application of motor drive, mobile power utility and wind power generation. Therefore, MC has been a hot topic of research for last decades. The state of the art in the MC′s applications in electric machines is presented in this paper. Firstly, the research status of MC-based driver for induction motors, synchronous motors and aircraft actuators is reviewed; then, the application of MC in gas-turbine-based distributed generation systems and high-power wind generation systems is introduced; finally， the development of MC in industry is presented. This paper will be a valuable reference for further research and industrial application.