FCC Blocks Chinese Humanoid Robot Imports, Citing Security Risks

Anatoly Kireev via Getty ImagesThe Trump administration imposed a ban on foreign-made humanoid robot imports, citing “unacceptable risks” to America's national security.The ban, issued on Tuesday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), particularly targets imports of Chinese robots and power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment.The ban applies to all new humanoids, quadrupeds and a broad range of connected mobile machines. Previously authorized models remain unaffected for now.According to the FCC, the ban partially addresses the security risks posed by the use of sensitive data by advanced robotic systems.“Advanced robotic devices collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots,” FCC officials wrote."The FCC will continue to do our part to secure America’s critical supply chains," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a release. “With today’s action, the FCC is acting in lock step with our national security agencies to do just that.”Related:Neura Robotics to Open Physical AI Training CenterThe agency has added the affected products to its Covered List, a register of communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to US national security.Response from China was rapid, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accusing Washington of “overstretching” national security concerns to restrict Chinese companies."China has consistently opposed the U.S. broadening the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies," she said at a press briefing on Wednesday."Protectionism cannot improve U.S. competitiveness and will only harm American companies and consumers," she added.The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s bid to shift away from Chinese supply chains and bolster domestic component supply for the burgeoning AI and robotics industries.Humanoid robots, powered by increasingly capable AI models, are expected to see widespread adoption across industrial and commercial applications over the coming decade. At the same time, the rapid expansion of AI data centers is driving growing demand for power inverters.China dominates both markets. It is currently the world's leading producer of humanoid robots and the largest manufacturer of power inverters, led by companies such as Huawei and Sungrow Power Supply.Huawei already faces extensive U.S. sanctions over national security concerns.About the AuthorContributing WriterScarlett Evans is a freelance writer with a focus on emerging technologies and the minerals industry. Previously, she served as assistant editor at IoT World Today, where she specialized in robotics and smart city technologies. Scarlett also has a background in the mining and resources sector, with experience at Mine Australia, Mine Technology and Power Technology. She joined Informa in April 2022 before transitioning to freelance work.