Experts react to FCC limits on U.S. imports of new humanoid and mobile robots
A Unitree humanoid robot at the China Humanoid Robot Conference in Seoul. Credit: Eugene Demaitre As competition in next-generation robotics and AI intensifies, the U.S. government is restricting imports of certain robots and connected power inverters produced in foreign countries. The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, yesterday said a White House-convened executive branch interagency body has determined that such products “pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the U
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has restricted imports of certain foreign-made humanoid and mobile robots, along with connected power inverters, citing national security concerns including supply chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks to American critical infrastructure. The ban includes an exemption for robots that receive conditional approval from the U.S. Department of War or Department of Homeland Security, and does not affect robots already in the country or federal government purchases. Industry experts are divided on the policy, with some supporting it as necessary protection against cybersecurity threats and unfair competition, while others warn it could slow innovation by cutting off access to low-cost platforms before domestic alternatives exist and may not by itself create a competitive domestic robotics sector. The measure targets countries with significant robotics production capacity and follows similar restrictions the U.S. has placed on uncrewed aircraft systems.
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