In brief
On July 29, the Trump administration announced a ban on the import of newly manufactured foreign‑made humanoid robots, citing unacceptable risks to national security. The restriction covers advanced robotic devices, including humanoid and four‑legged machines, many produced in China, as well as power inverters used in data centers and solar panels. The Federal Communications Commission added these items to its Covered List, arguing that foreign‑made inverters could enable cyber‑attacks or remote surveillance. Chinese manufacturers responded with statements about the country’s own dedication to AI, while U.S. officials warn that Chinese AI firms may face sanctions for alleged intellectual‑property theft. The move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to curb Chinese influence in emerging technology sectors amid trade tensions.
The United States has halted the import of newly manufactured foreign‑made humanoid robots, citing "unacceptable risks" to national security. The decision, announced on Tuesday, covers advanced robotic systems—including humanoid and four‑legged models—many of which are produced in China, the world’s largest manufacturer of such devices.
In tandem, the Federal Communications Commission added power inverters, devices used in data centres and solar panels, to its Covered List of high‑risk goods. FCC chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is acting to "secure America's critical supply chains".
The ban does not prevent the sale or import of existing models that had been previously authorised; it applies only to new foreign‑produced advanced robots and power inverters. The FCC fears that foreign‑made inverters could be used to shut down equipment, steal data, or facilitate remote surveillance by foreign governments. Likewise, foreign robots could enable malicious actors to surveil U.S. citizens, support foreign intelligence services, or be commandeered remotely.
Chinese firms—including Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot—were contacted by the BBC, and the Chinese government issued a statement defending its AI development as "the result of its own dedication and effort as well as international cooperation." The move follows years of scrutiny over China’s electronics exports and a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in the U.S.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Chinese AI firms could face sanctions over allegations of intellectual‑property theft. The administration’s actions reflect a broader strategy to curb China’s influence in robotics and AI amid trade and national‑security concerns.
Chinese technology companies have accelerated the rollout of humanoid robots for factories and homes, positioning themselves ahead of U.S. competitors such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics. The U.S. ban therefore signals a significant shift in the emerging robotics market, potentially reshaping global supply chains and regulatory landscapes.
