The Trump administration has announced a ban on the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots and certain power inverters, citing concerns that the products could threaten United States national security.
The restriction, announced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), targets advanced robotic systems, including humanoid and four-legged machines, many of which are manufactured in China.
According to the FCC, the affected products have been added to its Covered List. This is a register of equipment considered to present security risks to the United States. The measure applies only to new imports and does not affect devices that had already received authorisation before the announcement.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the decision was part of efforts to strengthen America’s critical supply chains.
The agency argued that foreign-made power inverters, commonly used in solar energy systems and data centres, could be exploited by overseas actors. They could be used to disable infrastructure, steal data or facilitate cyber attacks.
It also warned that advanced robots manufactured outside the US could potentially be used for surveillance, intelligence gathering or remote control by hostile foreign governments.
China’s embassy in Washington criticised the decision, accusing the United States of politicising trade and imposing sanctions without sufficient evidence.
The embassy urged Washington to abandon what it described as a hegemonic approach and stop targeting Chinese companies. Also adding that Beijing would take necessary measures to protect its interests.
The latest move comes as competition between the United States and China intensifies in artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced technology.
The BBC has contacted leading Chinese robotics companies, including Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot, for comment.
The US has already imposed restrictions on Chinese access to advanced semiconductors. Alternatively, China has tightened export controls on key rare earth materials used in electronics and emerging technologies.
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