Insider Brief
- The FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices and connected power inverters to its Covered List, restricting new models from receiving authorization for import, marketing or sale in the U.S.
- The action covers mobile robots such as humanoids and quadrupeds, with national-security agencies citing supply-chain and cybersecurity risks tied to networked robots and connected energy equipment.
- The FCC said the restrictions do not affect previously authorized models, existing devices or federal government use, and companies may seek conditional approval for covered devices.
The Trump administration has banned the import of new foreign-made advanced robotic devices, including Chinese humanoid robots, labeling them “unacceptable risks to U.S. national security.”
The action places new foreign-produced advanced robotic devices, defined as mobile robots such as humanoids and quadrupeds, along with connected power inverters used in connected energy systems, on the Federal Communications Commission’s “Covered List.” Equipment on the list generally cannot receive new FCC authorization, which is required before most electronic devices can be imported, marketed or sold in the U.S.
China pushed back against the FCC’s new restrictions on foreign-made advanced robots, saying the U.S. is using national-security concerns to target Chinese companies.
‘Unacceptable Supply Chain and Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities’
According to the FCC, the update follows national-security determinations by a White House-convened interagency body. The agencies found that the devices “pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security or to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”
“The networked capabilities of advanced robotic systems create extensive vulnerabilities and vectors for attacks that can manipulate the data and physical operation of the advanced robotic system,” the FCC noted that the National Security Determination as stating. “Relying on foreign-produced advanced robotic devices presents unacceptable supply chain and cybersecurity vulnerabilities . . . 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.”
For power inverters, the agencies cited risks tied to foreign-produced or controlled inverters and connected inverter components. The determination said remote connectivity could create vulnerabilities affecting the U.S. power grid, including the potential for data theft, surveillance, remote access or cyberattacks.
“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,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement. “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.”
What it Means
The FCC said the new restrictions apply to new device models. The action does not affect devices that consumers already own, nor does it block the continued sale, import or marketing of relevant models that were previously authorized through the FCC’s equipment process.
The FCC also said the action does not affect purchases or use by the federal government or federal agencies.
The FCC said producers of advanced robotic devices and power inverters may still seek conditional approval. Robotics producers may apply through the Department of War, while power-inverter producers may seek approval through the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security.
Companies that receive conditional approval can continue to seek FCC equipment authorization for covered devices. The FCC noted the update follows similar recent actions involving uncrewed aircraft systems, UAS components and consumer-grade routers.
The FCC pointed out that it cannot add equipment to the Covered List on its own. Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, the commission must act at the direction of national security authorities and implement determinations made by those agencies.
China’s Response
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference that China “firmly” opposes what it views as the U.S. overextending the concept of national security to suppress Chinese businesses.
Mao said protectionism would not improve U.S. competitiveness and would instead hurt American companies and consumers.
“China will continue to do what is necessary to firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies,” Mao said.
A 2025 report by the International Federation of Robotics noted that humanoid robots are central to China’s national robotics strategy, with an emphasis on scalable supply chains and early service-sector uses before wider manufacturing deployment.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday that its AI-related exports are the “new hallmark of the country’s foreign trade” and that they surged in the first half of 2026, with industrial robot exports up 18.6% and 3D printer exports up 109.3% year over year. The ministry attributed the growth to China’s industrial chain, domestic market, innovation and international cooperation, while also releasing a document rejecting claims tied to excess capacity.
