The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has expanded its restrictions on foreign-made robotics, and the move reaches farther than humanoid machines. Robot vacuum cleaners such as Roombas are also covered.
FCC adds advanced robotics and connected power inverters to Covered List
Earlier this week, the FCC said it had placed foreign-made advanced robotic devices, including humanoid and quadruped robots, as well as connected power inverters, on its Covered List. U.S. national security agencies determined that the products pose unacceptable security risks.
In a Tuesday press release, the agency said the action followed findings by a White House-convened interagency group. That group concluded the products could create supply chain weaknesses and cybersecurity risks affecting critical infrastructure and public safety.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement: “I welcome these Executive Branch national security determinations, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign-produced advanced robotics and power inverters to the FCC’s Covered List.” He added: “Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will continue to do our part to secure America’s critical supply chains and, with today’s action, the FCC is acting in lock step with our national security agencies to do just that.”
Scope goes beyond humanoid and quadruped robots
The Covered List identifies communications equipment that the U.S. government views as a national security threat. Products on the list generally cannot obtain new FCC equipment authorization, a requirement for most electronic devices before they can be imported, marketed, or sold in the United States.
The ban, however, is broader than the initial emphasis on humanoid and quadruped robots. The regulator told The Verge that the rule covers a wide set of devices and effectively blocks any new robotic device that weighs more than 4.4 pounds, connects to the internet, and can view its environment.
That places robot vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, delivery robots, and similar devices within the restricted category.
Agencies cite surveillance, data, and grid security concerns
U.S. agencies said internet-connected robots could collect sensitive data, be used to monitor Americans, or be taken over remotely. They also said connected power inverters, which convert electricity between forms for use on the power grid, could be exploited to disrupt parts of the grid, steal data, or provide unauthorized access to critical systems.
Existing approved products remain unaffected
The restrictions apply only to future device models that seek FCC approval. Products that have already received authorization are not affected, and consumers can continue using devices they already own.
Retailers may also continue selling previously approved models.
The FCC said the action does not affect purchases or use by federal agencies either.
Manufacturers still have a route to approval
According to the FCC, manufacturers can still seek equipment authorization if they first obtain Conditional Approval from the Department of Defense. For power inverters, that prior approval would need to come from the Department of Homeland Security. In each case, the relevant agency must determine that the products do not pose unacceptable national security risks.
Decision comes as Chinese robotics companies accelerate development
The FCC’s move comes as China pushes to become a global leader in humanoid robotics.
Chinese companies including Alibaba and Unitree have stepped up development over the past year. Alibaba unveiled its Qwen-Robot AI software platform in June, while Unitree has been pushing low-cost humanoid robots into universities, startups, and research labs around the world.