US bans imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs, and solar inverters over national security concerns

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Tuesday a ban on importing foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs, and power inverters, stating that these devices could be remotely controlled or used for surveillance by foreign governments, or otherwise employed in cyberattacks. The ban largely affects China, which currently holds the vast majority of the global market share for these products.

The FCC said exceptions may be granted if the government determines that a particular device does not pose a risk to U.S. national security. Existing devices already in homes and installations are not affected by the ban.

Humanoid robots, which move in ways similar to humans, are still in early development and far from mainstream. In 2025, approximately 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped worldwide, with China's two largest robot manufacturers accounting for the majority. Power inverters, on the other hand, are commonly used in U.S. households to connect solar and other renewable energy systems to the power grid.

The U.S. government has long accused China of hacking into U.S. businesses to steal data and preparing for future cyberattacks, including in the context of a potential invasion of Taiwan. The ban is the latest in a series of actions against China, including the forced sale of TikTok, restrictions on foreign-made consumer routers, and bans on Chinese surveillance equipment makers Hikvision and Dahua.

China has rebuffed the FCC's ban. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson, as quoted by the Associated Press, said China will use "all measures necessary" to protect Chinese businesses. Chinese Premier Xi Jinping is expected to meet President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., during a planned state visit in September.