US bans imports of advanced Chinese humanoid robots over security fears
The Trump administration has banned imports of new foreign-made advanced robots and power inverters, citing national security risks. The move primarily targets Chinese manufacturers as part of broader efforts to address trade imbalances.
The Trump administration on Tuesday announced a ban on new foreign-made humanoid robot imports to the US, citing "unacceptable risks" to national security. The measure applies to advanced robots, including humanoid and four-legged machines. Many of these are produced in China, which is competing with the US in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also banned the import of power inverters, devices used in data centers and solar panels, which it said could pose a risk to the US economy. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was doing its part "to secure America's critical supply chains." The BBC has contacted the Chinese embassy in Washington and major robot manufacturers Unitree, UBTech, and AgiBot.
The FCC has added the items to its Covered List, a register of goods considered a risk to US national security. The ban applies to new foreign-produced devices and does not affect previously authorized models. The FCC expressed concerns that foreign-made inverters could allow overseas firms to shut them down, steal data, enable remote access and surveillance by "foreign government actors," or be exploited through cyberattacks.
It also warned that robots made outside the US could allow "malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or remotely commandeer the robots." China's exports have faced intense scrutiny as the Trump administration addresses trade imbalances with the world's second-largest economy. Although China is the largest exporter of electric vehicles, it has been effectively shut out of the US market by a 100% tariff.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Chinese AI firms could face sanctions over allegations of stealing American intellectual property. China responded by saying its AI development is "the result of its own dedication and effort as well as international cooperation." Chinese technology firms have rapidly developed humanoid robots for use in factories and homes and have aggressively marketed them ahead of US rivals like Elon Musk's Tesla and Boston Dynamics.
