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FCC Bans New Imports of Foreign-Made Robots and Power Inverters

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Summary

The FCC is restricting new imports of foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots and power inverters, citing cybersecurity, national security and supply-chain risks. The measures target China; existing devices and previously approved models are not affected.

Key points

  • The FCC cited cybersecurity and other national security risks from imports of advanced robots.
  • The restrictions cover new imports of humanoid and quadruped robots, as well as power inverters.
  • The agency also pointed to supply-chain risks from offshore production.
  • The restrictions apply to new versions; an analyst said existing devices and previously approved models remain unaffected.
  • China accused the U.S. of protectionism and said it would defend Chinese businesses' interests.

Article Details

Event Type
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on imports of new foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots and power inverters, citing cybersecurity, national security, and supply-chain risks. The article says the move targets China.
Impact
The ban restricts access to the U.S. market for new imports in the covered categories and may affect U.S.-China technology partnerships and competition. The article reports that existing devices and previously approved inverter models are not affected. It provides no specific cybersecurity incident or technical impact.

People

Brendan CarrFCC chairperson who said the measures were intended to secure U.S. critical supply chains.Cheng WangMorningstar analyst who said pressure on U.S. markets from the power-inverter restrictions should be limited.Kangyuxiao LiMorningstar analyst who commented on Chinese robotics manufacturers, market competition, and the likely effect of the restrictions.Lian Jye SuOmdia chief analyst who said the bans could interfere with collaborations between U.S. and Chinese technology companies.Mao NingChinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson who criticized the U.S. restrictions as protectionist.Samm SacksSenior fellow at New America who commented on potential U.S.-China tensions surrounding the restrictions.

Vendors

AGIBOTOf the around 15,000 humanoid robots shipped globally in 2025, Unitree and AGIBOT, two of China’s largest advanced robotics companies, each shipped more than 5,000.Figure AIcounterparts, like Tesla and Figure AI, each shipped a few hundred or less, according to the technology research and advisory group Omdia.NvidiaNvidia, for example, in June revealed a humanoid robot reference design which uses the humanoid chassis of China’s Unitree.Teslacounterparts, like Tesla and Figure AI, each shipped a few hundred or less, according to the technology research and advisory group Omdia.UnitreeOf the around 15,000 humanoid robots shipped globally in 2025, Unitree and AGIBOT, two of China’s largest advanced robotics companies, each shipped more than 5,000.

Countries

ChinaFederal Communications Commission is banning imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move that targets China.United StatesThe U.S. Federal Communications Commission is banning imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move that targets China.

Industries

Energydirect current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity and are used in renewable energy systems, data centers and household appliances, could have sweeping ramifications.RoboticsOf the around 15,000 humanoid robots shipped globally in 2025, Unitree and AGIBOT, two of China’s largest advanced robotics companies, each shipped more than 5,000.