US bans new robot imports, blocking Chinese technology

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned new imports of foreign-made humanoid robots, citing national security and cybersecurity concerns in a move that mainly targets Chinese manufacturers. 

The restrictions include robot dogs and power inverters. The FCC said the rules aim to protect critical US supply chains and will apply only to new versions of these products.

The decision adds to a growing list of US trade and technology restrictions on China, including limits on drones, advanced chips, and AI.

The latest action comes ahead of a planned September meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, raising fresh tensions between the two countries.

China, which controls about 85% of the global humanoid robot market, strongly criticized the ban. Beijing accused Washington of using national security as an excuse for protectionism and warned it would take necessary steps to protect Chinese companies.

Experts argue that while the restrictions may offer US robot makers some protection from cheaper competitors, they are unlikely to derail China’s robotics ambitions, given the strength of its domestic market and expanding global exports.