US Imposes New Ban on Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots

The United States government has announced a new ban on the import of foreign-made humanoid and animal-like robots. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stated on Tuesday that these "advanced robotic devices" create unacceptable risks to the country’s national security and the safety of its residents. This decision is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to limit the influence of foreign technology within the United States.

According to The Guardian World, the FCC defines these banned devices as mechanical mobile robots that can move on the ground and operate either on their own or through remote control. The ban specifically targets robots that use sensors to see their environment and have network connections, such as Bluetooth or satellite links. In addition to humanoid robots, the FCC has also restricted the import of connected power inverters. These are important tools that help connect renewable energy sources and batteries to the power grid.

Ars Technica reports that the FCC justified this move by pointing to cybersecurity vulnerabilities previously found in robots made by Chinese companies. The agency added these foreign-produced devices to its "Covered List," which identifies technologies that are considered a threat to US national security. While the ban currently applies to robot and inverter models that have not yet been released, the FCC has the authority to remove permission for the sale of models that are already available in the US.

This policy reflects a strong push by the US government to build independent supply chains for critical technologies. An administration official noted that economic security is national security, and the government is working to bring more manufacturing back to America. However, the move has caused tension with China. The Chinese embassy in Washington has urged the US to stop what it calls the "smearing" of Chinese companies and warned that China would take necessary steps to protect its own interests.

Deutsche Welle (DW) Top notes that the market for humanoid and four-legged robots is growing rapidly. China currently holds a clear lead in this field. Analysts estimate that Chinese-made humanoid robots account for about 85% of the global market share. While US companies like Figure AI and Tesla are working to develop their own robots, they currently produce far fewer units than major Chinese firms like Unitree and AGIBOT. According to data from the research group Omdia, these two Chinese companies alone shipped more than 5,000 humanoid robots in 2025.

Experts suggest that the ban may not significantly slow down China’s overall development in robotics. Because China has a large domestic market and many other places to sell its products, it remains a strong competitor. Morningstar analyst Kangyuxiao Li told the media that the measures are unlikely to stop China’s progress. Meanwhile, some observers see this as a sign of anxiety in the US, as the country tries to maintain its position as a leading technological power despite the rapid growth of foreign competitors.

This decision comes at a sensitive time for international relations. The US and China have already faced disagreements over drones and artificial intelligence models, with the US government expressing concerns about potential spying and data collection. The Pentagon has also placed several Chinese technology companies on a list of firms it claims have ties to the Chinese military, a claim that Beijing strongly denies.

As the two nations prepare for a summit between President Donald Trump and Premier Xi Jinping in September, these technology restrictions are becoming a major point of conflict. Many analysts view the situation as part of a steady series of "flashpoints"—or moments of sudden tension—that could complicate diplomatic discussions. For now, the ban remains a clear signal that the US intends to prioritize its own technological security, even if it means changing how it trades with other countries in the years to come.