The Trump administration has banned new Chinese-made humanoid and four-legged robots from entering the US, citing what officials described as unacceptable national security risks.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also blocked new models of connected power inverters, which are used in data centers, solar systems and other parts of the power infrastructure. The measures took effect on Tuesday and apply only to models that have not already been authorized for sale in the US.
Added to FCC Covered List
The FCC added advanced robotic devices and power inverters to its Covered List, which covers equipment considered a risk to US national security or public safety.
Advanced robotic devices include humanoid robots and four-legged machines.
The FCC said foreign-made robots could collect data that might be used to surveil Americans, assist foreign intelligence services or allow attackers to take remote control of the machines.
Officials raised similar concerns about connected power inverters, warning that overseas firms could potentially shut them down, steal data, enable remote surveillance or exploit them through cyberattacks.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was acting to secure critical US supply chains.
Existing Models Not Banned
The restrictions apply to new robot and inverter models and do not automatically stop the sale or import of models that already received FCC authorization.
However, the FCC has the authority to revoke approvals for previously authorized products.
The measures are expected to have a major impact on Chinese robotics companies, which have rapidly expanded their humanoid robot businesses for use in factories, homes and other settings.
Chinese manufacturers have also moved quickly to sell their robots commercially, while US rivals such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics continue developing their own machines.
China Criticizes Ban
China’s embassy in Washington criticized the move and accused the US of politicizing trade and using sanctions based on unjustified claims.
Beijing urged Washington to stop targeting Chinese companies and said it would take necessary measures if US actions harmed China’s interests. It also called for countries to cooperate on developing AI for beneficial uses.
The BBC contacted Chinese robot manufacturers Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot for comment.
US-China Tech Restrictions Continue
The robot ban is the latest step in Washington’s wider effort to reduce its dependence on Chinese technology.
China, the world’s largest electric vehicle exporter, is already largely shut out of the US EV market by steep tariffs. Washington has also restricted sales of advanced US semiconductors to China, arguing that the measures are necessary to protect national security, limit China’s military modernization and maintain America’s lead in AI.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also warned that Chinese AI companies could face sanctions over allegations of stealing American intellectual property. China has rejected such criticism, saying its AI development comes from its own work and international cooperation.
The US is also seeking to avoid another supply-chain squeeze similar to last year’s restrictions on rare earth exports from China. Rare earth materials are critical for electronics and other advanced technologies.
The latest restrictions come as Chinese companies continue to expand rapidly in humanoid robotics and compete with US firms in what is becoming another major front in the wider AI and technology race.
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