US Robot Ban Targets Chinese Humanoid Robots, Escalating US-China Trade Tensions

Trump's AI protectionism has come for robotics

The FTC has banned foreign-made humanoids, making a fragile, nascent sector part of America's AI industrial policy. This story originally appeared in The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter on AI. To get stories like this in your inbox first, sign up here. Humanoid robots usually elicit more cringe than awe: They stumble, kick children, and despite advances are still worse at using their hands than my toddler. It's a nascent industry, and such robots are more commonly seen in viral videos than real workplaces or homes. It was a surprise, then, when last week the Federal Trade Commission issued a sweeping ban on foreign imports of advanced robots, including humanoids, quadrupeds, and wheeled robots. The decision, made by an increasingly partisan and Trump-aligned FTC, cites two reasons. One is that foreign-made humanoids will collect so much data -- in homes but also potentially at sensitive facilities -- that they'd pose a threat to national security. The second is that US robotics companies need protection from Chinese competition to create a more robust and secure domestic supply chain. On its face, it's a strategy to align political and industry interests that is much older than the Trump administration. Whenever China has gotten good at offering cheap versions of strategic technologies like solar panels, electric vehicles, and drones, the US government has tried to stop it from flooding the market by using tariffs or rules on how government agencies purchase the tech. Such moves are always followed by debates about whether the trade-offs -- particularly higher prices for consumers -- are worth the benefits. But robotics is now best seen as another piece of the AI industry -- in many ways its cutting edge. And the Trump administration is taking an increasingly aggressive approach to protecting the US AI industry, reportedly considering a ban on open-source Chinese models that often rival those from OpenAI and Anthropic while costing far less. Such a move would block businesses from realizing an estimated $25 billion in annual savings. The ban on humanoids, then, should be understood not as another chapter in the old China trade playbook, but as evidence that the Trump administration is expanding its protection of the AI industry beyond today's leading labs. It is now willing to step in on behalf of an emerging robotics sector that is still barely finding its footing. Some US robotics companies unsurprisingly welcome the FTC's new move. Gavin Kenneally, CEO of a company called Ghost Robotics that makes four-legged robots for inspections, says the cybersecurity risks from foreign-made robots are real (an FTC document released as part of the ruling cited an incident in which a man was able to gain control of 7,000 robot vacuum cleaners). "If today's announcement encourages stronger cybersecurity and a more level competitive environment, that's good for customers and good for the robotics industry," Kenneally said in an email. But if the new rule aims to boost US robotics companies, there's a big flaw. Those companies, as well as academic robotics labs, are hugely reliant on cheap robots from China to do research. They're building fleets of robots that constantly learn new tasks -- from flipping waffles to doing laundry -- and frequently buy Chinese humanoids instead of US-made ones. The new ruling "creates a challenge for US humanoid researchers," says Aaron Prather, director of market intelligence for the Association for Advancing Automation, a robotics trade group. "Chinese models offer the best price-to-capability ratio available." Prather adds that a recent internal review his organization conducted found that 90% of recent robotics research papers from US universities relied on robots from Unitree, China's top humanoid robotics company. That price gap can be huge. A four-legged robot from Unitree can cost around $4,600. A comparable one from Boston Dynamics might run to $278,000. If robotics research is stunted because these cheap robots are no longer available, the FTC ruling could slow down the industry, not boost it. The US and Chinese robotics industries are in starkly different places. Unitree plans to go public this week, targeting a nearly $6 billion evaluation. No robotics companies in the US offer any meaningful comparison, but those that do exist are undeniably moving fewer robots. Figure's humanoids are not yet selling at scale, and 1X's robots aren't yet shipping to homes. That said, work on humanoids is going increasingly mainstream, as a release from Google last week made clear. The company announced a new AI model meant to make humanoids learn new tasks faster; its most impressive ability appears to be tying a trash bag, but given how finicky robot hands are, that's real progress. Even though the many carve-outs in the FTC's order make its practical impact hard to predict, its symbolic impact is easy to see. The administration sees humanoid robotics not as a novelty, but as a strategic frontier of AI worth protecting from foreign competition. For a technology that until recently was mostly known for falling over onstage, that's a big change.

The US Threw the First Punch in the Global Robot Wars. How Will China Respond? - CNET

Katie is a UK-based news reporter and features writer.... Read full bio The humanoid robot wars are kicking off, but the robots aren't fighting each other -- at least for now. Instead, we're looking at a war fought on paper by governments competing to dominate a new, fast-growing market in which AI and mechanical bodies meet. On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on robots -- including the humanoid and quadruped varieties -- originating from companies based outside the US. Such foreign-made products "pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons," the FCC said. The restrictions will see new robots from foreign countries added to the FCC's Covered List, unless they're granted exemptions, but the sale and import of existing models already allowed by the FCC won't be impacted. The ban encompasses robots from all countries but is being widely interpreted as the US taking yet another swing against the Chinese tech industry. (The US already bans many Chinese products or shuts them out with steep tariffs, including phones, drones and electric vehicles.) A massive boom is currently underway in the global robotics industry, fueled by advances in AI, but China is leading the way by a huge margin. According to tech research firm Omdia, China accounted for 90% of the 13,000 humanoid robots shipped last year. The country is also home to the three biggest humanoid robot makers: Agibot, Unitree and UBTech. Meanwhile, under President Donald Trump, the US has put more emphasis on homegrown technology, and American companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics are currently building humanoid robots of their own. Throughout the same period, the US has emerged as one of the two biggest players in the AI space -- along with China. The US frequently paints China as a threat to national security, but it's also the country's biggest competition, both in terms of economics and technological innovation. The US has accused Chinese AI companies of stealing the intellectual property of its AI companies in order to build their models -- a claim China refutes. The nations have very different attitudes and approaches to developing AI but are seen to be engaged in a trillion-dollar arms race. And so as the US imposes increasing trade restrictions on its rival, the lingering question is which of these factors -- national security or competition -- is the dominant driving force behind the decision to keep Chinese tech out of the US market. "The US government is keen to support its domestic robot industry, shielding it from cheaper overseas competitors so that it can become established," said Paul Miller, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester. But, according to Miller, the US government "is also concerned about the national security implications of foreign connected mobile sensor platforms wandering near domestic critical infrastructure." (In the age of physical AI, mobile sensor platforms are exactly what these humanoids and quadrupeds are.) In the update to the Covered List that the FCC issued this week, it detailed its concerns about the potential for robots to be used against US citizens. "Advanced robotic devices collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots," it said. But that doesn't mean the US doesn't harbor dual motivations. Will China retaliate? Meanwhile, China is not taking the ban lying down. In a statement given to reporters on Tuesday (and translated by Google), a spokesperson for the country's Minister for Commerce said that the decision taken by the FCC was an attempt to discriminate against Chinese companies and products "under the guise of 'non-discrimination.'" The US was "overstretching the concept of national security," the spokesperson added, urging the US to revoke the decision or face countermeasures. If China follows through on countermeasures, the US's decision could come back to bite. It could end up blocking US robotics companies from access to key components. Supply chains for robots are complex and international, and unpacking them would be a costly undertaking, Miller says. He added that, at least in the short term, keeping international companies from selling in the US and "barring American companies from using some of the most advanced robotic components risks dramatically slowing their pace of innovation and raising the price of their products for consumers." Beyond robotics companies building competitor products, the ban could also hit university researchers and tech companies that rely on affordable Chinese robots. Kyle Chan, a research fellow at Brookings Institution, said in a post on X that he agreed "with the intent but not the approach." While it was necessary to keep Chinese robots away from sensitive industries and critical infrastructure, the ban was too "sweeping," Chan said. Many US companies developing AI rely on robots made by companies like Unitree to experiment on and build out their software, Chan said. "Cutting them off would slow down American innovation." Even US robotics companies are being restrained with their praise. Oregon-based Agility Robotics said in a post on X that while the decision was an "important step" in the right direction, it advocated for continued policy discussion with Washington. "Agility's academic roots and continued commitment to innovation give us a deep appreciation for maintaining access to all of the tools and technologies that advance robotics research," the robotics company said. "We will continue to advocate for policies that simultaneously protect US security and privacy and enable continued US technology leadership." It's still early days for the humanoid robotics market, and this is just the beginning of a much bigger conversation. Which country will shout the loudest about safety and policy, and which will win the robot war? They might not be one and the same.

EXCLUSIVE: Trump administration to ban new Chinese robots and inverters, protecting US AI buildout

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Tuesday plans to unveil new bans that target imports of the latest Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore ⁠key industries slated for explosive growth, U.S. officials said. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon plans to roll out the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots -- in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment, the people said. The restrictions, whose imminent release has not been previously reported, show the Trump administration is aiming to ⁠safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving firms to shift manufacturing to the U.S. "The President has made clear that the United States must have independent and ⁠secure supply chains for critical and emerging technologies like robotic devices and power inverters," said an administration official, who declined to be named because the matter ⁠was not public. "Economic security is national security, and the Trump administration continues to implement a nuanced and multi-faceted policy agenda to reindustrialize ⁠America," he added. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington; Additional reporting by Sarah McFarlane; Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

China threatens retaliation against U.S. humanoid robot ban, says it 'severely damages' relations

BEIJING -- The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has repeatedly ignored Beijing's restrained stance on product bans, China's commerce ministry said Thursday, threatening retaliation. The FCC on Tuesday said due to cybersecurity concerns, it added foreign-made advanced robotic devices, including humanoids, to a list restricting imports to the U.S. The statement did not specify a country, and said retailers could still import models the FCC has previously approved. As the FCC keeps escalating restrictions on Chinese goods, it "severely damages China-U.S. economic and trade stability," China's commerce ministry said in an online statement Thursday. That's according to a CNBC translation of Mandarin. The ministry urged the U.S. to withdraw the decision, and threatened countermeasures if it failed to do so. "This is bad news for Chinese humanoid producers planning their IPOs in the coming months," said Marc Einstein, a research director at Counterpoint Research. "The two major cards China can play are to further restrict rare earth sales to American companies and further restricting Chinese market access for American companies like Tesla and NVIDIA." The commerce ministry's statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to host Chinese President Xi Jinping in September. Tensions over the tech race have meanwhile intensified, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying the U.S. could sanction China over AI model "theft." Trump on Thursday indicated in public comments that the U.S. might take a more cautious stance on AI controls in order to maintain American tech leadership over China. Chinese companies Agibot, Unitree and UBTech accounted for the top-three humanoid companies by installation market share last year, according to Counterpoint. Tesla's Optimus ranked fifth. Hong Kong-listed UBTech shares briefly fell more than 6% in Thursday morning trading. Unitree and Agibot have filed to go public. Robostore, a distributor of Chinese humanoid robots in North America, has been preparing by expanding its U.S.-based capabilities, CEO Teddy Haggerty said in a statement to CNBC. He did not elaborate on details. -- CNBC's Matthew Tan contributed to this report.

China Threatens Retaliation as U.S. Moves to Block Robot Imports

Steve Lohr reported from Seoul and Xinyun Wu from Taipei, Taiwan. Robot trade tensions escalated on Thursday as China angrily denounced a proposal by the United States to ban imports of Chinese-made humanoid robots, calling the measure discriminatory and threatening retaliation. In a sharply worded statement, China's commerce ministry accused the Trump administration of launching a new provocation that would "severely undermine the stability of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and seriously disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains." On Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said that it intends to restrict imports of humanoid and animallike robots on national security grounds, while promoting the development of advanced robots domestically. Although the F.C.C. did not explicitly identify China, Chinese producers dominate the global humanoid robot industry. China's commerce ministry said the proposal was unmistakably aimed at the country's manufacturers, describing it as "discriminatory and suppressive against Chinese companies and products." The proposal thrusts the emerging robotics industry into the latest front in the technology rivalry between the United States and China, which have already imposed tit-for-tat restrictions on access to artificial intelligence systems, advanced semiconductors and other critical technologies. China's statement warned that if Washington proceeds with the ban, "China will resolutely retaliate to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests." It did not specify what measures it might take. The Trump administration argues that increasingly capable humanoid robots pose national security risks on two fronts. First, officials contend the machines could function as Trojan horses for data collection, harvesting personal information and even sensitive government data as they become more integrated into homes, workplaces and public spaces. Second, the administration argues that advanced robotics will become a strategically important technology in an economy increasingly dependent on A.I.. China dismissed those concerns, accusing the United States of "overstretching the concept of national security." The F.C.C. has previously invoked national security concerns to prohibit imports of telecommunications equipment from Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE. Whether restrictions on Chinese robots would be effective is an open question. Chinese start-ups are producing thousands of humanoid robots priced below $5,000, far cheaper and at a greater scale than competitors elsewhere. While Chinese manufacturers once depended on Japanese and other foreign suppliers for critical components such as sensors and joints, those parts are now overwhelmingly produced in China. As a result, it has become nearly impossible to build a competitive humanoid robot without Chinese-made components. China has also established a significant lead in industrial robotics. It manufactures and installs factory robots at a pace unmatched by any other country. More than two million robots were operating in Chinese factories in 2024, with another 300,000 installed during the year -- more than the rest of the world combined.

The US just banned Chinese humanoid robots and power inverters over security fears

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. What just happened? The federal government is moving to block a new category of connected technology from entering the US, focusing on robotics and energy equipment tied to artificial intelligence systems. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday approved restrictions banning imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots, along with connected power inverters used in renewable energy and data center operations. The rules apply to products that have not yet been authorized for sale in the US and took effect immediately. Regulators say the goal is to reduce security risks tied to devices that are increasingly embedded in critical infrastructure and AI workflows. The FCC said these devices pose potential supply chain vulnerabilities that could undermine both the US economy and national security while also introducing cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure. Chairman Brendan Carr added that the agency intends to remain actively involved in efforts to protect and secure key supply chains in the United States. The scope of the rule is broad. The FCC defines "advanced robotic devices" as machines that can move, sense their surroundings, and connect to networks. That includes not only humanoid robots but also a wider range of mobile systems, potentially extending to future consumer devices if they meet those criteria. The inclusion of power inverters shows how closely energy infrastructure has become tied to AI. Inverters are used to connect solar arrays, batteries, and other power sources to the grid and to large facilities such as data centers. As AI development drives a surge in data center construction, officials are paying closer attention to the equipment that keeps those facilities running. While the FCC did not name a specific country, the impact is expected to fall heavily on Chinese manufacturers. China is a major producer of both robotics and inverters, with companies such as Sungrow and Huawei leading the global inverter market. The robotics side could affect companies such as Unitree, a major player in the humanoid robot market. The company has also drawn scrutiny in Washington after being placed on a Pentagon list of alleged Chinese military-backed firms. Unitree has partnered with Nvidia to use its Blackwell chips in robotic systems. US officials have raised concerns about how these machines collect and transmit data. The FCC said the devices can gather data that could be used by bad actors for surveillance, to support foreign intelligence efforts, or even to remotely control the robots. Representative John Moolenaar said the restrictions are intended to safeguard the country and bolster the domestic robotics industry. The inverter restrictions come amid similar concerns. Chinese manufacturers have expanded their presence in Western markets, in part by lowering prices, but regulators worry about potential vulnerabilities, including the risk of remote access or malware. Officials have pointed to past incidents, including the "Volt Typhoon" hacking campaign, in which compromised devices were used to mask attacks on US infrastructure. The policy also reflects a broader effort to avoid dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains. US officials have cited China's dominance in rare-earth minerals as an example of how control over key components can become a geopolitical tool. Companies will have some room to maneuver. The FCC is expected to allow waivers for certain products, particularly those from non-Chinese suppliers. However, companies seeking approval will likely need to demonstrate plans to move manufacturing to the US, aligning with the administration's push to reshore critical industries. Products already approved for sale in the US are not immediately affected. They can continue to operate and receive updates through January 1, 2029, although the FCC has the authority to revisit those approvals. China pushed back on the move. The Chinese embassy in Washington said it "urges the United States to heed the objective and rational voices of the business communities in both countries" and "stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions." It added that China will "take all necessary measures in response to any action that causes material harm to its interests." The restrictions mark a more assertive step in US tech policy as AI systems become increasingly dependent on physical infrastructure. For regulators, the issue is no longer just software or data, but also the hardware that connects them - and where that hardware is built.

Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced a ban on new foreign-made humanoid robot imports to the US over "unacceptable risks" to the country's national security. The move applies to advanced robots - including humanoid and four-legged machines. Many of them are made in China, which is locked in a race with the US to develop robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also banned the import of power inverters - a component used in data centres and solar panels - which it said could also 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 for comment. Chinese technology companies have rapidly developed humanoid robots to be used in settings including factories and homes. The have also been quick to market their machines to businesses and the public ahead of US humanoid robot rivals like Elon Musk's Tesla and Boston Dynamics.

China threatens retaliation over the US robot ban

Beijing has threatened "resolute" retaliation after the US moved to bar imports of Chinese humanoid robots, calling the ban discriminatory and warning it severely damages trade ties. China's leverage is real: rare earths and market access for Tesla and Nvidia. The catch is that the US can barely build a competitive robot without Chinese parts. The US wanted to keep Chinese robots out. Beijing's answer: do this, and we will hit back where it hurts. China has threatened "resolute" retaliation after Washington moved to bar imports of Chinese-made humanoid robots. Its commerce ministry called the measure discriminatory and warned it "severely" damages trade relations, the New York Times and CNBC reported. The ministry demanded that the US withdraw the decision, and threatened countermeasures if it does not. It accused Washington of "overstretching the concept of national security" and said the move disrupts global supply chains. What the US actually banned The trigger was an FCC order this week adding foreign-made "advanced robotic devices" to its restricted Covered List. It blocks new humanoids and robot dogs from the import approval they need to be sold in the US. Already-approved models can stay. The rule is broader than it first looked. It sweeps up almost any new wireless, software-controlled robot over 4.4 pounds that can sense its surroundings, from robot lawnmowers to sidewalk delivery bots to Chinese robot vacuums. The FCC did not name China, but Chinese firms dominate the category. Washington's case rests on two fears. One is that connected robots could act as Trojan horses for data collection. The other is that robotics is strategically vital in an AI-driven economy. Chinese firm Unitree, one of the leaders, has already been flagged by the Pentagon over alleged military ties. China's leverage The threat carries weight because China holds real cards. Analysts say the two obvious levers are rare earths, where China controls supply, and market access for US giants like Tesla and Nvidia. Both would sting. The timing is also bad for Chinese robot makers. "This is bad news for Chinese humanoid producers planning their IPOs in the coming months," said Counterpoint's Marc Einstein. Unitree and Agibot have filed to go public, and Hong Kong-listed UBTech briefly fell more than 6 per cent. The awkward truth There is a catch that makes the ban tricky to enforce. It has become nearly impossible to build a competitive humanoid without Chinese-made parts, such as sensors and joints. China is also miles ahead on robots, running more factory robots than the rest of the world combined. The clash lands at a delicate moment. Trump is due to host Xi Jinping in September, and tensions are already high. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has floated sanctions over AI model "theft". Trump, for his part, hinted this week at a softer touch on AI controls to keep the US ahead. Robots are now their own front in the tech war. The US has drawn a line around its market, and China is signalling that it can make that line expensive.

White House Bans Foreign Humanoid Robots in Bid to Slow China's Tech Explosion

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced a new ban on advanced, foreign-made robots Tuesday. The ban is largely seen as a way to target humanoid robots made by China, a traditional geopolitical adversary of the U.S. that has been making enormous strides in robotics and AI in recent years. The FCC said in a press release that the robots, including mobile two-legged humanoids and four-legged quadrupeds, "pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons." The release noted a government study that said national security agencies had determined that these robots could create supply chain vulnerabilities and may even pose a cybersecurity risk. Many of these same concerns were raised as the reason to ban TikTok before it was forced to sell a majority stake in the company to U.S. interests. President Donald Trump, who previously supported the TikTok ban, changed his opinion as soon as wealthy U.S. and Middle East interests expressed a desire to buy the platform. The foreign robotics ban also includes power inverters created by foreign companies, but the new measures have exemptions on which countries may be allowed to sell their products in the U.S. and the kind of products. The release specifically notes that the Department of Defense (referred to as the Department of War by the FCC), as well as the Department of Homeland Security, have already granted some power inverters an exemption. Companies have been encouraged to apply for a conditional approval exemption. The ban will not apply to robots that have already been purchased. China's Unitree is likely a major target of this new ban, and the company already sells humanoid robots and robotic dogs inside the U.S., as any American fan of robots is likely aware from watching social media videos. The ban doesn't prevent retailers from continuing to sell robot models that have been previously approved through the FCC's equipment authorization process. The U.S. government is also allowed to buy whatever overseas robots it likes, according to the release. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr celebrated the move Tuesday in a statement posted online, specifically praising President Trump, as every member of the Trump regime does on a regular basis to show deference to their Dear Leader. "Following President Trump's leadership, the FCC will continue to do our part to secure America's critical supply chains and, with today's action, the FCC is acting in lock step with our national security agencies to do just that," said Carr. We guess this means Americans won't be able to buy the Unitree Gundam anytime soon.

US bans new humanoid robot imports from China over security concerns

US has announced a ban on new foreign-made humanoid robots entering the country, citing national security concerns amid intensifying competition with China in robotics and artificial intelligence. The restrictions, unveiled on July 28, apply to advanced humanoid and four-legged robots, many of which are manufactured by Chinese companies. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also prohibited imports of power inverters used in data centers and solar energy systems, warning they could pose risks to critical infrastructure and the broader economy. China condemned the move, accusing Washington of politicizing trade and imposing sanctions on what it called "groundless pretexts." Recently, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have joined a growing list of US carriers banning humanoid robots on commercial flights over safety and operational concerns. The Trump administration's sweeping ban on new foreign-made advanced robotic devices entering the United States marks one of the most significant regulatory moves yet in the emerging humanoid robotics industry. The decision adds advanced robotic devices, including humanoid and four-legged robots, to the FCC's Covered List of equipment considered too risky for authorization in the US market. The agency also added connected power inverters used in solar installations, battery storage systems, and data centers, reports the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The FCC said the measures are intended to protect critical supply chains and reduce national security risks associated with foreign-made connected technologies. The restrictions apply only to newly imported devices that require FCC authorization and do not affect products that were already approved before the order. According to the FCC, foreign-made power inverters could potentially be exploited to disrupt electricity systems, steal data, enable remote access, or facilitate cyberattacks. It also warned that advanced robots equipped with cameras, sensors, and network connectivity could be used for surveillance, intelligence gathering, or remote control by hostile foreign actors. "The FCC has now added two new categories of devices to our Covered List, which bans new versions from import or sale in America - Advanced robotic devices, such as humanoids and quadrupeds produced in foreign countries. Power inverters produced in foreign countries," said Brendan Carr, Chairman of FCC, in a post on X. The restrictions are expected to reshape the global humanoid robot market, where Chinese manufacturers currently hold a commanding lead. Industry data indicates that six of the world's 10 largest humanoid robot companies are based in China, accounting for roughly 87 percent of global shipments. Leading vendors include Agibot, Unitree, UBTech, Leju Robotics, Engine AI, and Fourier Intelligence, all of which have established an early advantage in commercial deployments. By requiring new foreign-made robots to obtain FCC equipment authorization before they can be imported, marketed, or sold in the United States, the order effectively closes the US market to most next-generation Chinese humanoid robots. Existing models that were authorized before the ruling can continue to be sold, imported, and used, making the measure a forward-looking restriction rather than a recall. However, because robotics technology is advancing rapidly, limiting companies to older, approved models could significantly erode their competitiveness in the US market, Forbes reports. The move is expected to create a more protected environment for American robotics companies, many of which are preparing to scale production. Firms including Figure AI, Agility Robotics, Apptronik, and 1X are developing commercial humanoid robots, while dozens of other U.S. startups are working on robotic platforms and key components backed by substantial investment. Supporters argue the restrictions could strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign technology, although reduced competition may also lessen the pressure to innovate. China condemned the decision, accusing the US of politicizing trade and technology while warning it would take necessary measures to safeguard its interests. Beijing also called for greater international cooperation in artificial intelligence rather than expanding technology restrictions.

FCC bans foreign humanoid robots, expanding campaign against Chinese tech

The Gene.01 humanoid robot from Italy's Generative Bionics demonstrates a wave last week at the AMD Advancing AI 2026 conference in San Francisco. (Juliana Yamada/AP) The Federal Communications Commission issued a ban on the import of humanoid robots Tuesday, expanding a Trump administration effort to keep cutting-edge Chinese technology out of the United States. The ban follows a determination by the administration that allowing the robots -- along with doglike quadrupeds or machines on wheels -- into the country presents a national security risk.

Trump administration to ban new Chinese robots and inverters, protecting U.S. AI

The Trump administration on Tuesday plans to unveil new bans that target imports of ⁠the latest Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking ⁠to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore key industries slated for explosive growth, U.S. officials said. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon plans to roll out the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots -- in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment, the people said. The ⁠restrictions, whose imminent release has not been previously reported, show the Trump administration is aiming to safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving firms to shift manufacturing to ⁠the U.S. "The President has made clear that the United ⁠States must have independent and secure supply chains ⁠for critical and emerging technologies like robotic devices and power inverters," said an administration official, who declined to be named because the matter was not public. "Economic security is national security, and the Trump administration continues to implement a nuanced and multi-faceted policy agenda to reindustrialize America," he added. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

FCC bans foreign robots and inverters over China fears

The FCC added foreign-made humanoid robots and grid inverters to its Covered List, blocking new imports on national-security grounds. The text says "any nationality." The target is China. The United States has moved to block new imports of foreign-made robots and power inverters. Officials fear a hostile power could spy through them, or switch them off from afar. The order never says China. It does not need to. The Federal Communications Commission added two categories to its Covered List on Tuesday, as first reported by CNBC. One is "advanced robotic devices," meaning mobile robots such as humanoids and quadrupeds. The other is connected power inverters, the boxes that connect solar panels, batteries and data-centre gear to the grid. Landing on the Covered List is a hard commercial block. Equipment on it cannot get FCC authorisation. Almost every electronic device needs that clearance before it can reach the US market. It is the same lever the agency pulled on DJI drones and Huawei network kit. The word the ban avoids Read the FCC document and one thing stands out. It restricts foreign-produced robots and inverters "regardless of the nationality of origin." The politics point at Beijing. The text points at everyone. The gap is deliberate. The framing lets Washington name China as the threat. The wording pushes every manufacturer toward the same choice: build in America, or clear a security review. An administration official told CNBC the aim was to protect the US AI buildout and drive firms to reshore. "Economic security is national security," the official said. There is a door out. A maker can apply for "Conditional Approval" and keep selling if it clears the check. The Department of War handles robots; Homeland Security handles inverters. In principle any manufacturer can walk through it, Chinese firms included. In practice it puts the Pentagon in charge of vetting which robots reach American shelves. Why robots and inverters, together The pairing looks odd until you read the security case. Both devices are networked, and both answer to signals from far away. Grid inverters phone home for monitoring and firmware updates. The interagency determination warns that the same channel could let a foreign firm "turn off the inverters or use them to collect and exfiltrate data." More solar and battery capacity on the grid means more remote-controllable boxes. Robots carry the same risk on legs. The robot determination warns that networked machines "collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans," or let an attacker "remotely commandeer the robots." Unitree is the emblem of the category. The Chinese firm's humanoids and quadrupeds have gone from lab demos to a pending public listing, and the Pentagon has already flagged the company. What it actually changes Less than the headlines suggest, at least at first. The block hits only new device models seeking authorisation. It does not touch robots or inverters already bought, models already approved, or anything the federal government buys and uses. So this is an import gate, not a recall. Its bite grows over time, as newer models are the ones frozen out while older approved ones stay on sale. The FCC used the same staged approach on drones and consumer routers. CISA now tells companies to screen suppliers against the list. The harder question is whether the US can fill the gap. China dominates both supply chains. The same rare-earth and battery chokeholds that complicated the drone ban apply here. Blocking imports is quick. Building a domestic industry to replace them is slow, and so is hardening a grid whose weak points attackers are already probing. For now, Washington has drawn the line where it is easiest: at the border, on the next generation of machines. Whether the factories follow is the test that matters. A listing will not settle it.

Trump administration bans Chinese hardware with eye on AI race

Why it matters: The action targeting China comes as the race between Beijing and Washington to dominate AI heats up. How it works: Power inverters, a key part of the electricity infrastructure needed to power AI data centers, and new humanoid and quadruped robots will be placed on a list of equipment deemed by the administration to pose "unacceptable risk to the national security of the U.S. or the safety and security of U.S. persons." * The administration determined that these foreign-produced products, regardless of the manufacturer's nationality, pose that level of risk. * In practice, the move is expected to hit China the hardest. * Some foreign manufacturers would still be able to sell their products in the U.S. if they receive conditional approval from officials. Threat level: The administration argues that advanced robots' networked capabilities could be exploited to spy on Americans, bolster foreign intelligence capabilities or be remotely commandeered by malicious actors. * It also says that the growing role of power inverters in the U.S. electrical grid has created new vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and supply chain manipulation. * Last year, two researchers found China-based manufacturer Unitree Robotics pre-installed an apparent backdoor on its popular Go1 robot dogs that allowed anyone to surveil customers around the world. The big picture: The number of new robots deployed each year has more than doubled from a decade ago, now topping 500,000 units globally. * But China is ahead on the robot revolution with more than 2 million industrial robots inside its factories -- five times more than the U.S. What we're watching: The Trump administration is also grappling with how to deal with software from China, as open-source models spark concerns among some policymakers.

China threatens retaliation over U.S. humanoid robot import ban

Beijing's commerce ministry urged Washington to withdraw the FCC decision, which cites cybersecurity risks to U.S. supply chains China's commerce ministry threatened retaliation Thursday over a U.S. Federal Communications Commission decision to ban imports of foreign-made humanoid and other advanced robots, saying the restrictions damage bilateral economic and trade stability. The ministry said the FCC has ignored Beijing's restrained stance on product bans and urged Washington to withdraw the decision. It threatened countermeasures if the U.S. failed to do so, according to CNBC. The FCC added foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots to its Covered List on Tuesday, citing national security risks. The agency said the restrictions apply to new device models only and do not affect robots already purchased or previously authorized. An interagency body convened by the White House had determined that foreign-produced advanced robotic devices pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security, finding that connected robots could be used to monitor Americans, extend the reach of foreign intelligence services, or allow bad actors to seize direct control of the devices. The determination also cited risks from dependence on overseas manufacturing. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the move was intended to "secure America's critical supply chains." Producers of advanced robotic devices can apply for a conditional approval exemption from the Department of War to continue receiving FCC equipment authorization. China holds roughly 85% of the global humanoid robot market, according to the Associated Press. Chinese firms Unitree and AGIBOT each shipped more than 5,000 humanoid units in 2025, while U.S. rivals including Tesla $TSLA and Figure AI shipped a few hundred units apiece, according to CNBC, citing research firm Omdia. UBTech stock fell more than 6% in Hong Kong trading Thursday morning. Unitree and Agibot have filed to go public. China's Foreign Ministry had already pushed back against the restrictions on Wednesday. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning pledged that China would take "all measures necessary" to defend the interests of Chinese businesses and said the ban would hurt U.S. companies and consumers. The commerce ministry issued its statement with a Trump-Xi summit on the calendar for September. Separately, Trump signaled Thursday that Washington could ease AI export restrictions as a way of keeping the United States ahead of China in the technology race.

Humanoid robot imports banned as U.S. targets Chinese products over national security concerns

Hong Kong -- The 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. The measures are likely to test relations with Beijing ahead of a planned U.S. visit and meeting with President Trump by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September. China dominates the global market for humanoid robots with an estimated market share of roughly 85%. The FCC's ban also includes new imports of quadruped robots - often referred to as four-legged robot dogs. The FCC's decision was based on findings from a task force convened by the White House that concluded foreign-built robots could create "a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure" and "the safety and security" of U.S. residents, French news agency AFP reported. The agency added that offshore production of such equipment also leaves U.S. supply chains vulnerable to disruptions. The ban on power inverters, which are used to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity and are used in renewable energy systems, data centers and household appliances, could have sweeping ramifications. FCC chairperson Brendan Carr said Tuesday that the move was to "secure America's critical supply chains." He said the bans apply to "new versions" of such imports. The FCC's bans follow a slew of U.S. restrictions on imports of Chinese products, including drones, and on exports of U.S. advanced technology to China. The U.S. is also weighing controls on the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models at a time when Chinese AI is rapidly gaining ground. "It's a steady drumbeat of potential flashpoints heading into (the) Trump-Xi summit planned for September," said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese technology policies. China has been rapidly expanding its use of robots, with policies supporting its technology sector. Morgan Stanley analysts forecast its market for humanoids could reach $15 billion by 2030. "Chinese manufacturers have been scaling production and reducing costs faster than most overseas competitors," said analyst Kangyuxiao Li at Morningstar. "Restricting their access to the U.S. removes an important future market and protects U.S. developers from potential price competition," he said. "However, it will not materially slow China's overall humanoid development, given the size of its domestic manufacturing base and opportunities in other export markets." Of 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. Their U.S. counterparts, like Tesla and Figure AI, each shipped a few hundred or less, according to the technology research and advisory group Omdia. China's Foreign Ministry hit back at the U.S. move, accusing Washington of overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies. China will take "all measures necessary" to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses, it said. "Protectionism does not make the U.S. more competitive, and it will only hurt the interests of U.S. companies and consumers," Mao Ning, a ministry spokesperson, told reporters at a regular press conference Wednesday in Beijing. The new bans could also potentially interfere with collaborations between U.S. and Chinese technology companies, said Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at Omdia. Nvidia, for example, in June revealed a humanoid robot reference design that uses the humanoid chassis of China's Unitree. The Pentagon recently included Unitree and several other major Chinese technology companies on its list of firms that it said have ties to or aid the Chinese military. Beijing has rejected that claim.

US government bans humanoid robots manufactured abroad

New York (AFP) - US President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday added humanoid and quadruped robots to a list of products and companies that are banned from being imported into the United States on national security grounds. Most humanoid robots sold in the US are manufactured abroad, particularly in China. "Advanced robotic devices" were added to the list, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Tuesday. Certain types of drones, as well as Chinese companies Huawei and China Telecom, are already on the list, which now includes what the FCC called "mobile robots" -- or robots that mimic how humans and animals walk by standing on two or four legs. The decision was based on findings from a task force convened by the White House, which concluded that the foreign-built robots could create "a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure" and "the safety and security" of US residents. However, the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security can grant exemptions. Most humanoid robots are currently used for industrial applications in confined spaces, such as automobile factories or storage warehouses. Among the examples cited by the task force was the case of French programmer Sammy Azdoufal, who reportedly accessed data from thousands of robotic vacuum cleaners made by Chinese manufacturer DJI. The decision only applies to new models and not to those already sold or authorized in the United States, and it comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration's efforts to boost domestic manufacturing. The FCC also added foreign-made inverters to the list -- devices that, among other functions, convert direct current from batteries or solar panels into standard alternating current, which can be used by the electrical grid. Several robotics companies already manufacture some humanoid robots in the United States, including Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Figure AI and Agility Robotics. South Korean automotive giant Hyundai -- which announced this month that it acquired Boston Dynamics -- has plans to build a robotics factory in the US that will eventually have the capacity to produce 30,000 units per year. Tesla aims to begin industrial production of its own humanoid robot Optimus soon at two US factories. The company claims it will eventually produce 1 million robots annually at the factory in Fremont, California and 10 million annually in Austin, Texas. However, Tesla's efforts will involve assembly rather than full-scale production. Buzzy startup Figure AI already assembles robots at its plant in San Jose, California, and Agility has a factory in Salem, Oregon, where it can produce up to 10,000 robots annually. A Trump administration official specified that the ban covers robots that are fully assembled, as well as those assembled on US soil with more than 35 percent of their components manufactured abroad.

The FCC Just Banned Chinese Humanoid Robots. That's Not the Story Business Leaders Should Focus On

Most American executives already know China is pouring resources into AI. Far fewer grasp where that investment has already pulled ahead: in manufacturing volume, in cost, and in how fast the rest of the world is adopting Chinese products. The U.S. government however does seem to grasp the size of the gap -- today the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned the import of foreign-made humanoid robots, according to reporting by NBC. Though the FCC cited national security concerns in enacting the import ban, Kangyuxiao Li, an analyst at Morningstar, told NBC that: "Restricting [China's] access to the U.S. removes an important future market and protects U.S. developers from potential price competition. However, it will not materially slow China's overall humanoid development, given the size of its domestic manufacturing base and opportunities in other export markets." China owns about 85 percent of the global humanoid robotics market NBC notes. The move raises an uncomfortable question for any leader watching a fast-moving rival: are you dismissing your competitor's flashiest product, or tracking the infrastructure that underlies how it's about to scale? A number of years ago I ran an innovation program for PepsiCo in Shanghai. I'd studied the market data before I landed. None of it prepared me for what the place felt like on the ground. The physical scale was palpable. And so was the competitive environment. Not just for my client but across just about every industry. A U.S. company might face a dozen competitors in a specific market niche domestically. I estimate you can multiply any U.S. market by about ten to calculate how many competitors you'll find in China -- especially for the hot market opportunities like robotics. A slide can tell you China builds more than half the world's humanoid robot models. It can't convey what happens when that many companies build at once inside one ecosystem, feeding off each other's suppliers, talent, and pace. Think Silicon Valley on steroids.

Trump administration bans foreign-made humanoid robots in move targeting China

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned imports of foreign-produced humanoid robotic devices and power inverters, citing "national security" as its primary concern. The devices were added to the FCC's covered list, meaning the products posed an "unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons," the Commission wrote in a public notice. Products that are now banned include quadruped robots, humanoid robots and foreign-made power inverters used to convert direct current electricity into alternating current electricity. This new transformed electricity supports data centers and renewable. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr in the Tuesday notice said these actions by the commission were taken in an effort to "secure America's critical supply chains." The commission is allowed to add products to the covered list under its jurisdiction only at the "direction of national security authorities." These bans prevent new equipment authorizations, discouraging new devices from entering the U.S. market. The ban affects all foreign-made products regardless of origin, but for the robots, China holds an estimated market share of roughly 85 percent, the Associated Press reported. "We must protect our country by keeping out Chinese robots with backdoors that share sensitive data with the CCP," Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chair of the House Select Committee on China, wrote on the social media platform X. Attacks on Chinese-made products extend to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who recently threatened China with sanctions over allegations the country committed IP theft in its development of new AI models. "If we see, especially, that overseas models are stealing from our great companies, we have the ability to sanction them because of this theft," Bessent said on Fox Business last week. This follows actions from December that banned uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and their critical components made in foreign countries. The FCC also banned new foreign-made Wi-Fi routers, which the agency said was to protect U.S. consumers. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday criticized these recent measures. "Protectionism does not make the U.S. more competitive, and it will only hurt the interests of U.S. companies and consumers," Mao told reporters at a press conference in Beijing.

Exclusive-Trump Administration to Ban New Chinese Robots and Inverters, Protecting US AI Buildout

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - ⁠The ⁠Trump administration on Tuesday ⁠plans to unveil new bans that target imports of the latest Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore key ⁠industries slated ⁠for explosive growth, U.S. officials said. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon plans to roll out the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots -- in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources ⁠and batteries ⁠to connect to ⁠grids and data center equipment, the people said. The restrictions, whose imminent release has not been ⁠previously reported, show the Trump administration is aiming to safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving ⁠firms to shift manufacturing to the U.S. "The President has made ⁠clear that the United States must have independent and secure supply chains for critical and emerging technologies like robotic devices and power inverters," said an administration official, who declined to be named because the matter was not public. "Economic security is national security, and the Trump administration continues to implement a nuanced ⁠and multi-faceted policy agenda to reindustrialize America," he added. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington; Additional reporting by Sarah McFarlane; Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis)

Trump Administration Bans New Chinese Humanoid Robots To Protect U.S. AI Buildout

The Federal Communications Commission is expected to exempt many non-Chinese suppliers from the restrictions. WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Tuesday unveiled bans that target imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore key industries slated for explosive growth. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon released the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots, in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment. The restrictions, as first reported by Reuters, show the Trump administration is aiming to safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving firms to shift manufacturing to the U.S. "These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure," the FCC said in a statement. "The FCC will continue to do our part to secure America's critical supply chains," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr added in the press release. The Chinese embassy in Washington said Beijing "urges the United States to heed the objective and rational voices of the business communities in both countries" and "stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions." China's government will "take all necessary measures in response to any action that causes material harm to its interests," the embassy said. Some analysts forecast broad adoption of humanoid robots, topped with AI-enabled "brains," in consumer and industrial arenas, while explosive data-center construction in the U.S. will depend on reliable sources of inverters. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Chinese AI firms could face U.S. sanctions for stealing U.S. intellectual property. U.S. officials are also keen to avoid another scenario as happened with rare earth minerals -- critical inputs for tech manufacturing so dominated by China that Beijing has been able to leverage access to them to secure big wins on the international stage. FCC Likely To Exempt Non-Chinese Suppliers Following Tuesday's actions, the FCC is expected to exempt many non-Chinese suppliers from the restrictions, as it has done with recent bans on foreign drones and routers, four additional sources said. The measures, which went into effect upon publication, apply only to robot and inverter models that have not yet been released. However, the FCC has the authority to revoke authorizations for sales of models that have already been authorized for purchase in the United States. President Donald Trump is credited with bringing international attention to the tech threat posed by China during his first term, giving voice to concerns about intellectual property theft by Chinese firms, and the threat of state-sponsored spying by Chinese telecom juggernauts like Huawei . But he has so far taken a much more dovish approach during his second term, faced with Beijing's aggressive use of export controls on rare earth minerals last year. Chinese Robot Maker In Crosshairs The robot ban is expected to hit Unitree, a world leader in humanoid robots with just under a fifth of global market share, according to Counterpoint Research. The firm, which is one of three Chinese companies dominating the nascent but buzzy industry, was recently added to the Pentagon's list of alleged Chinese military-backed companies, which can be a harbinger of tougher U.S. action. Unitree recently formed a partnership with Nvidia to use the AI chip company's cutting-edge Blackwell chip to power the brain of a Unitree robot. Nvidia has said data from the robots will remain in the U.S. and that Unitree's biggest customers are U.S. academic and research institutions. China hawks fear the robots could spy on key U.S. industries, extracting data and sending it to Beijing or disrupting critical functions. Robots "collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots," the FCC said on Tuesday. U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican who chairs the House Select Committee on China and has proposed legislation targeting Chinese robots for national security reviews and potential bans, said the FCC move "protects our country and strengthens our nation's robotics industry." China is the world's largest maker of inverters, led by Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei, already heavily sanctioned by the U.S. Beijing has been expanding its share in the Western inverter market by driving down prices. Reuters previously reported that the FCC was working on a Chinese inverter ban prompted by recent action by Europe and concerns around disruption and installation of malware. Authorities want to avoid another Chinese government-linked hacking campaign like the one dubbed Volt Typhoon, revealed in 2023. By taking control of privately owned routers, the attackers sought to hide subsequent attacks on American critical infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Defense is already barred from procuring solar photovoltaic cells, modules or inverters manufactured by a foreign entity of concern, which would include Chinese companies. Unitree, Sungrow and Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington; Additional reporting by Sarah McFarlane and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis)

Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots, to protect US AI buildout

The United States has banned new Chinese robots and power inverters. These measures aim to protect national security and reshore key industries. The Federal Communications Commission announced these import restrictions on Tuesday. China urges the United States to stop threatening its companies with sanctions. Beijing will take necessary measures if its interests are harmed. WASHINGTON: The Trump administration on Tuesday unveiled bans that target imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore key industries slated for explosive growth. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon released the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots, in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment. The restrictions, as first reported by Reuters, show the Trump administration is aiming to safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving firms to shift manufacturing to the U.S. "These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure," the ⁠FCC said ⁠in a statement. "The FCC will continue to do our part to secure America's critical supply chains," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr added in the press release. The Chinese embassy in Washington said Beijing "urges the United States to heed the objective and rational voices of the business communities in both countries" and "stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions." You Might Also Like: US looks to boost anti-China spending worldwide by hundreds of millions, documents say China's government will "take all necessary measures in response to any action that causes material harm to its interests," the embassy said. Some analysts forecast broad adoption of humanoid robots, topped with AI-enabled "brains," in consumer and industrial arenas, while explosive data-center construction in the U.S. will depend on reliable sources of inverters. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Chinese AI firms could face U.S. sanctions for stealing U.S. intellectual property. U.S. officials are also keen to avoid another scenario as happened with rare earth minerals - critical inputs for tech manufacturing so dominated by China that Beijing has been able to leverage access to them to secure big wins on ⁠the international stage. You Might Also Like: US customs officials inspect China-linked factories in Vietnam: Report FCC LIKELY TO EXEMPT NON-CHINESE SUPPLIERSFollowing Tuesday's actions, the FCC is expected to exempt many non-Chinese suppliers from the restrictions, as it has done with recent bans on foreign drones and routers, four additional sources said. The measures, which went into effect upon publication, apply only to robot and inverter models that have not yet been ⁠released. However, the FCC has the authority to revoke authorizations for sales of models that have already been authorized for purchase in the United States. President Donald Trump is credited with bringing international attention to the tech threat posed by China during his first term, giving voice to concerns about intellectual property theft by Chinese firms, and the threat of state-sponsored spying by Chinese telecom juggernauts like Huawei . But he has so far taken a much more dovish approach during his second term, faced with Beijing's aggressive use of export controls on rare earth minerals last year. CHINESE ROBOT MAKER IN CROSSHAIRSThe robot ban is expected to hit Unitree, a world leader in humanoid robots with just under a fifth of global market share, according to Counterpoint Research. The firm, which is one of three Chinese companies dominating the nascent but buzzy industry, was recently added to the Pentagon's list of alleged Chinese military-backed companies, which can be a harbinger of tougher U.S. action. Unitree recently formed a partnership with Nvidia to use the AI chip company's cutting-edge Blackwell chip to power the brain of a Unitree robot. Nvidia has said data from the robots will remain in the U.S. and that Unitree's biggest customers are U.S. academic and research institutions. China hawks fear the robots could spy on key U.S. industries, extracting data and sending it to Beijing or disrupting critical functions. Robots "collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, ⁠enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots," the FCC said on Tuesday. U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican who chairs the House Select Committee on China and has proposed legislation targeting Chinese robots for national security reviews and potential bans, said the FCC move "protects our country and strengthens our nation's robotics industry." China is the world's largest maker of inverters, led by Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei, already heavily sanctioned by the U.S. Beijing has been expanding its share in the Western inverter market by driving down prices. Reuters previously reported that the FCC was working on a Chinese inverter ban prompted by recent action by Europe and concerns around disruption and installation of malware. Authorities want to avoid another Chinese government-linked hacking campaign like the one dubbed Volt Typhoon, revealed in 2023. By taking control of privately owned routers, the attackers sought to hide subsequent attacks on American critical infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Defense is already barred from procuring solar photovoltaic cells, modules or inverters manufactured by a foreign entity of concern, which would include Chinese companies. Unitree, Sungrow and Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

US bans Chinese humanoid robot imports due to national security risks

The Trump administration has banned bipedal and four-legged machines from making their way into the US. As China and the US compete on inventing new robots and mastering artificial intelligence, the Trump administration has banned humanoid and four-legged robots from foreign nations from being imported within its borders. This is due to these robots proposing an "unacceptable risk" to America's national security. The ban also applies to power inverters, as this is said to pose a risk to the US economy. As per BBC News, the Chinese embassy in Washington says Beijing opposes this ban, seeing it as trade issues being politicised and sanctions being placed under "groundless pretexts." The Chinese embassy also said that China will "take all necessary measures" against any harm to its interests, saying countries must work together to develop AI. This isn't the first time that China's trade has come under fire from the Trump administration. As China rapidly develops humanoid robotics for work and leisure, the US is steering clear of having these machines come past its borders. If you wanted your own viral robot to dance around for a bit before flopping on the floor, unfortunately you are out of luck in the US.

Trump Administration Bans New Chinese AI Robots and Power Inverters Over National Security Fears: 'These

The Federal Communications Commission's latest restrictions target emerging Chinese technologies that U.S. officials say could threaten America's AI infrastructure, critical supply chains and cybersecurity. FCC Moves to Protect US AI Infrastructure On Tuesday, the Donald Trump administration unveiled sweeping restrictions on new Chinese-made humanoid robots, quadruped robots and connected power inverters, citing concerns that the devices could jeopardize U.S. national security. The FCC said the measures, which took effect immediately, apply to new models that have not yet been authorized for sale in the U.S. The agency retains the authority to revoke approvals for previously authorized products. "These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that [threatens] American critical infrastructure," the FCC said in a statement. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr added, "The FCC will continue to do our part to secure America's critical supply chains and, with today's action, the FCC is acting in lock step with our national security agencies to do just that." Why the Trump Administration is Targeting Chinese AI Robots and Inverters The administration said the move is designed to reduce risks associated with Chinese technology in sectors viewed as critical to America's AI future, including data centers, renewable energy systems and advanced robotics. Officials have raised concerns that AI-powered robots equipped with cameras, microphones and sensors could collect sensitive data, facilitate surveillance or even be remotely controlled by foreign adversaries. Similarly, power inverters -- essential components that connect solar panels, batteries and other energy sources to electrical grids and AI data center equipment -- have come under increased scrutiny over fears they could be exploited for cyberattacks or infrastructure disruption. The FCC said robots "collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots." China Pushes Back as Unitree Faces Pressure China's embassy in Washington criticized the decision, urging the U.S. to "heed the objective and rational voices of the business communities in both countries" and "stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions," Reuters reported. Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Image via Shutterstock/ IM Imagery Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

US FCC Blacklists Foreign Robots on Huawei List as Surveillance Fears Grow - Striking NVIDIA Partner Unitree As Well

In a major development, the US government has banned imports of certain foreign-made robots and power equipment to protect the ongoing AI infrastructure buildout in America. The restrictions were unveiled by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through an update to its Covered List. The Covered List is a list of equipment that first emerged to cover and restrict Huawei's equipment from being used in the US due to espionage risks. FCC bans foreign-made humanoid robots over surveillance fears, striking NVIDIA partner Unitree the hardest FCC Adds Foreign-Made Robotic Devices & Power Inverters To Covered List To Protect AI Buildout And Emerging Industries While the FCC's announcement doesn't explicitly mention China, it does restrict foreign-produced "advanced robotic devices" and "connected power inverters produced in foreign countries." The Commission defines robotic devices to include mobile robots, humanoids and other devices. As part of its rationale for the announcement, the regulatory agencies outlined that an interagency body convened by the White House determined that the foreign-produced equipment could "create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure." Reuters, which first reported the ban, quoted Counterpoint Research to outline that Chinese robotics firm Unitree would be the hardest hit by the latest announcement. Unitree is an important NVIDIA partner when it comes to using the AI company's GPUs to power a humanoid robot. The National Security Determination for robots claims that foreign-produced systems can create cybersecurity risks for America. It adds that these systems can also "collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots." The ban on robots covers new products and not older models. As for the inverters, the Determination also notes cybersecurity risks. The "remote connectivity" features of the devices "could enable foreign firms to turn off the inverters or use them to collect and exfiltrate data, facilitate remote access and surveillance by foreign government actors, or be otherwise exploited through a cyberattack," it notes. Unitree was in the news in 2025 when researchers discovered vulnerabilities in its robot dogs. The backdoor allowed remote surveillance of the robots' users and the devices' control, with a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures listing (CVE 2025-2894) confirming the issue. Unitree fixed the vulnerability in May and outlined that a third-party remote control service was to blame. Other risks that the Determination identified for the humanoid robots include: * A vulnerability that "offered ready access to live camera feeds, microphone audio, and detailed maps of consumers' homes." * A humanoid-specific vulnerability that "allowed a remote actor to take over the operations of the humanoid robot and scan for other humanoid robots in the area, providing malign actors the ability to create a humanoid botnet that could spread without user intervention." Both these reports surfaced in 2026, with the first being discovered accidentally after a DJI Romo vacuum cleaning robot user reverse-engineered the robot's cloud server communication system to connect it with his PlayStation 5 controller. The result saw him being able to control close to 7,000 devices globally across 24 countries. Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.

Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots, power inverters

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has unveiled bans that target imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI build-out from national security threats and reshore key industries slated for explosive growth. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday afternoon released the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots, in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment. The restrictions show the Trump administration is aiming to safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving firms to shift manufacturing to the U.S.

US bans foreign-made humanoid robots, targeting China over national security - The Korea Times

A humanoid robot waves Chinese national flags at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, July 18. AP-Yonhap HONG KONG -- The Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. said on Tuesday it would ban the import of foreign-made humanoid robots in a move that targets China, arguing they pose a national security risk. The decision could strain bilateral relations as the technology race between the two world leaders advances. China makes substantially more humanoid robots than the U.S. and other competitors, and analysts estimate that Chinese humanoid robots' global market share has reached roughly 85 percent. The FCC's ban includes new imports of humanoid robots, quadrupeds -- often referred to as four-legged robot dogs -- as well as foreign-made power inverters. In making the decision, the FCC said these advanced robots produced in foreign countries pose supply chain vulnerabilities to the U.S. as well as cybersecurity and national security risks. FCC chairperson Brendan Carr said in a statement that the move was to "secure America's critical supply chains." The United States has been taking steps to keep Chinese technology out with recent bans on imports, including of Chinese-made drones . The U.S. is also weighing restrictions on Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, at a time when Chinese AI is rapidly gaining ground. "It's a steady drumbeat of potential flashpoints heading into (the) Trump-Xi summit planned for September," said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese technology policies. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September following their mid-May meeting in Beijing. Last year, China accounted for around 85 percent of humanoid deployments globally, according to Barclays, with its technological sector backed strongly by state support and policy. Morgan Stanley analysts forecast China's humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion by 2030. "Chinese manufacturers have been scaling production and reducing costs faster than most overseas competitors," said analyst Kangyuxiao Li at Morningstar. "Restricting their access to the U.S. removes an important future market and protects U.S. developers from potential price competition," he said. "However, it will not materially slow China's overall humanoid development, given the size of its domestic manufacturing base and opportunities in other export markets." Of 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, while their U.S. counterparts like Tesla and Figure AI each shipped a few hundred or less, according to the technology research and advisory group Omdia. When it comes to global markets, China is also targeting Europe, for example, as a key market for its advanced robots including humanoids, Omdia said. China has pushed back and defended its technological advancements as an opportunity for the world, rather than a threat, as countries including the U.S. raise concerns over how a "China Shock 2.0" could hurt their economies. The latest U.S. ban could also potentially impact collaborations between U.S. and Chinese technology companies, said Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at Omdia. Nvidia, for example, in June revealed a humanoid robot reference design which uses the humanoid chassis of Chinese robot maker Unitree. The Pentagon recently placed Unitree alongside several major Chinese technology companies on its list of firms that it said have ties to or aid the Chinese military, a claim that Beijing said it "firmly opposes."

Trump Bans New Chinese Robots to Protect US AI Push

The Trump administration has announced a new round of technology restrictions targeting Chinese-made humanoid robots, quadruped robots and connected power inverters, citing national security concerns and the need to safeguard America's rapidly expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure. The measures were unveiled by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and took effect immediately upon their publication. The restrictions apply only to new product models that have not yet been released in the United States. However, the FCC retains the authority to revoke approvals for products already authorized for sale if deemed necessary.

Trump admin bans Chinese robot imports, citing national security threats

The Trump administration is banning Chinese robots in an effort to stem national security risks and help the domestic AI industry continue to grow. The Federal Communications Commission listed imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots from China -- along with connected power inverters, which let the devices connect to the US grid -- as verboten. They can no longer be imported, marketed or sold in the US. "Advanced robotic devices collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots," the White House said a Tuesday statement. China produces the vast majority of the world's humanoid robots - one of the latest flashpoints in the artificial intelligence arms race between Washington and Beijing. Analysts say China has built a lead in AI consumer applications and AI-enabled hardware thanks to its mass-manufacturing capabilities. Today, the bots can perform limited basic tasks like greeting customers at a store or simple home chores like folding laundry. Technologists are racing to improve humanoid robot capabilities, believing that one day the bots will be everywhere in homes, schools, workplaces and factories. The crackdown stems from a national security determination issued Monday by a White House-convened interagency body, which concluded that internet-connected robots could expose Americans to data privacy and cybersecurity risks. "Advanced robotic devices collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots," the White House said. In a separate statement, the FCC warned that the machines "could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt US economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure." Humanoid robots could become one of the biggest market opportunities in the AI boom, according to Dan Ives, partner and senior managing director at Yorkville Ives. "This is the golden goose for physical AI," he told CNBC last month, adding: "We see China as right now the clear leader on this front. The US is playing in catchup mode." Chinese bots sold in the US have cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $50,000. The restrictions do not affect robots already on the market and consumers can continue using devices they have already purchased. Retailers are still allowed to import and sell existing models that have already received FCC authorization, the agency said. US companies including Elon Musk's Tesla and numerous startups are racing to develop humanoid robots and are poised to get a boost from the ban on Chinese bots. Beijing howled over the new restrictions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused the US of abusing national security in order to suppress Chinese companies and said China would "take necessary measures" to protect its interests. "Protectionism will not enhance US competitiveness; it will only harm the interests of American businesses and consumers," Mao said during a Wednesday press conference. Earlier this, month robots under human control and supervision performed surgery on a live patient, successfully completing two laparoscopic gallbladder removals. Still, the rise of the machines hasn't come without some embarrassing slip-ups. Just days ago, a school district in upstate New York paused plans to deploy a Canadian-made AI humanoid robot in the classroom after officials, teachers and local residents became outraged over the bots' ties to a company that produces hyper-realistic sex dolls.

US to ban imports of Chinese robots and power inverters - Reuters By Investing.com

Investing.com -- The Trump administration announced new import restrictions on Chinese-made humanoid and quadruped robots and connected power inverters through the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, according to a Reuters report. The FCC stated the bans address national security risks related to artificial intelligence and energy supply chains. Officials said the measures aim to prevent data theft, cyberattacks, and potential disruptions to critical infrastructure. The administration said the restrictions are intended to encourage companies to relocate manufacturing operations to the United States. Advanced robots targeted by the ban use artificial intelligence, sensors, and continuous data processing. Regulators expressed concern that foreign-made connectivity systems in these machines could enable corporate espionage, unauthorized data collection, or remote control vulnerabilities. Connected power inverters convert direct current from renewable energy sources and battery systems into alternating current for electrical grids and data centers. The administration views these components as critical to computing infrastructure that supports AI models. The FCC said securing hardware that delivers power to data centers is necessary to prevent supply chain manipulation and cyber threats to the energy grid. The import bans represent part of a broader policy approach toward separating U.S. supply chains from China in sectors deemed strategically important. This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

US government bans humanoid robots manufactured abroad

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday added humanoid and quadruped robots to a list of products and companies that are banned from being imported into the United States on national security grounds. Most humanoid robots sold in the U.S. are manufactured abroad, particularly in China. "Advanced robotic devices" were added to the list, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Tuesday. Certain types of drones, as well as Chinese companies Huawei and China Telecom, are already on the list, which now includes what the FCC called "mobile robots" -- or robots that mimic how humans and animals walk by standing on two or four legs. The decision was based on findings from a task force convened by the White House, which concluded that the foreign-built robots could create "a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure" and "the safety and security" of U.S. residents. However, the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security can grant exemptions. Most humanoid robots are currently used for industrial applications in confined spaces, such as automobile factories or storage warehouses. Among the examples cited by the task force was the case of French programmer Sammy Azdoufal, who reportedly accessed data from thousands of robotic vacuum cleaners made by Chinese manufacturer DJI. The decision only applies to new models and not to those already sold or authorized in the United States, and it comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration's efforts to boost domestic manufacturing. The FCC also added foreign-made inverters to the list -- devices that, among other functions, convert direct current from batteries or solar panels into standard alternating current, which can be used by the electrical grid. Several robotics companies already manufacture some humanoid robots in the United States, including Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Figure AI and Agility Robotics. South Korean automotive giant Hyundai -- which announced this month that it acquired Boston Dynamics -- has plans to build a robotics factory in the U.S. that will eventually have the capacity to produce 30,000 units per year. Tesla aims to begin industrial production of its own humanoid robot Optimus soon at two U.S. factories. The company claims it will eventually produce 1 million robots annually at the factory in Fremont, California and 10 million annually in Austin, Texas. However, Tesla's efforts will involve assembly rather than full-scale production. Buzzy startup Figure AI already assembles robots at its plant in San Jose, California, and Agility has a factory in Salem, Oregon, where it can produce up to 10,000 robots annually. A Trump administration official specified that the ban covers robots that are fully assembled, as well as those assembled on U.S. soil with more than 35% of their components manufactured abroad.

Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots, to protect US AI buildout

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Tuesday unveiled bans that target imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore key industries slated for explosive growth. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon released the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots, in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment. The restrictions, as first reported by Reuters, show the Trump administration is aiming to safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving firms to shift manufacturing to the U.S. "These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure," the FCC said in a statement. "The FCC will continue to do our part to secure America's critical supply chains," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr added in the press release. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Humanoid robots, topped with AI-enabled "brains," are forecast by some analysts for broad adoption in consumer and industrial arenas, while explosive data-center construction in the U.S. will depend on reliable sources of inverters. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Chinese AI firms could face U.S. sanctions for stealing U.S. intellectual property. U.S. officials are also keen to avoid another scenario as happened with rare earth minerals -- critical inputs for tech manufacturing so dominated by China that Beijing has been able to leverage access to them to secure big wins on the international stage. FCC LIKELY TO EXEMPT NON-CHINESE SUPPLIERS Following Tuesday's actions, the FCC is expected to exempt many non-Chinese suppliers from the restrictions, as it has done with recent bans on foreign drones and routers, four additional sources said. The measures, which went into effect upon publication, apply only to robot and inverter models that have not yet been released. However, the FCC has the authority to revoke authorizations for sales of models that have already been authorized for purchase in the United States. President Donald Trump is credited with bringing international attention to the tech threat posed by China during his first term, giving voice to concerns about intellectual property theft by Chinese firms, and the threat of state-sponsored spying by Chinese telecom juggernauts like Huawei . But he has so far taken a much more dovish approach during his second term, faced with Beijing's aggressive use of export controls on rare earth minerals last year. CHINESE ROBOT MAKER IN CROSSHAIRS The robot ban is expected to hit Unitree, a world leader in humanoid robots with just under a fifth of global market share, according to Counterpoint Research. The firm, which is one of three Chinese companies dominating the nascent but buzzy industry, was recently added to the Pentagon's list of alleged Chinese military-backed companies, which can be a harbinger of tougher U.S. action. Unitree recently formed a partnership with Nvidia to use the AI chip company's cutting-edge Blackwell chip to power the brain of a Unitree robot. Nvidia has said data from the robots will remain in the U.S. and that Unitree's biggest customers are U.S. academic and research institutions. China hawks fear the robots could spy on key U.S. industries, exfiltrating data to Beijing or disrupting their key functions. Robots "collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots," the FCC said on Tuesday. U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, a Republican who chairs the House Select Committee on China and has proposed legislation targeting Chinese robots for national security reviews and potential bans, said the FCC move "protects our country and strengthens our nation's robotics industry." China is the world's largest maker of inverters, led by Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei, already heavily sanctioned by the U.S. Beijing has been expanding its share in the Western inverter market by driving down prices. Reuters previously reported that the FCC was working on a Chinese inverter ban, inspired by recent action by Europe and concerns around disruption and installation of malware. Authorities want to avoid another Chinese government-linked hacking campaign like the one dubbed Volt Typhoon, revealed in 2023. By taking control of privately owned routers, the attackers sought to hide subsequent attacks on American critical infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Defense is already barred from procuring solar photovoltaic cells, modules or inverters manufactured by a foreign entity of concern, which would include Chinese companies. Unitree, Sungrow and Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington; Additional reporting by Sarah McFarlane and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis) By Alexandra Alper and David Shepardson

Trump administration to ban new Chinese humanoid robots, protecting US AI buildout

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Tuesday plans to unveil bans that target imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore key industries slated for explosive growth, U.S. officials said. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon plans to roll out the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots -- in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment, the people said. The restrictions, whose imminent release has not been previously reported, show the Trump administration is aiming to safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving firms to shift manufacturing to the U.S. "The President has made clear that the United States must have independent and secure supply chains for critical and emerging technologies like robotic devices and power inverters," said an administration official, who declined to be named because the matter was not public. "Economic security is national security, and the Trump administration continues to implement a nuanced and multi-faceted policy agenda to reindustrialize America," he added. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Humanoid robots, topped with AI-enabled "brains," are forecast by some analysts for broad adoption in consumer and industrial arenas, while explosive data-center construction in the U.S. will depend on reliable sources of inverters. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Chinese AI firms could face U.S. sanctions for stealing U.S. intellectual property. U.S. officials are also keen to avoid another scenario as happened with rare earth minerals -- critical inputs for tech manufacturing so dominated by China that Beijing has been able to leverage access to them to secure big wins on the international stage. FCC LIKELY TO EXEMPT NON-CHINESE SUPPLIERS As part of the measures slated to be announced on Tuesday, the FCC will ban foreign imports of new models of targeted technologies and is then expected to exempt many non-Chinese suppliers from the restrictions, as it has done with recent bans on foreign drones and routers, four additional sources said. The restrictions, which will go into effect upon publication, will apply only to robot and inverter models that have not yet been released, another U.S. official said. However, the FCC has the authority to revoke authorizations for sales of models that have already been authorized for purchase in the United States. President Donald Trump is credited with bringing international attention to the tech threat posed by China during his first term, giving voice to concerns about intellectual property theft by Chinese firms, and the threat of state-sponsored spying by Chinese telecom juggernauts like Huawei . But he has so far taken a much more dovish approach during his second term, faced with Beijing's aggressive use of export controls on rare earth minerals last year. CHINESE ROBOT MAKER IN CROSSHAIRS The robot ban is expected to hit Unitree, a world leader in humanoid robots with just under a fifth of global market share, according to Counterpoint Research. The firm, which is one of three Chinese companies dominating the nascent but buzzy industry, was recently added to the Pentagon's list of alleged Chinese military-backed companies, which can be a harbinger of tougher U.S. action. Unitree recently formed a partnership with Nvidia to use the AI chip company's cutting-edge Blackwell chip to power the brain of a Unitree robot. Nvidia has said data from the robots will remain in the U.S. and that Unitree's biggest customers are U.S. academic and research institutions. China hawks fear the robots could spy on key U.S. industries, exfiltrating data to Beijing or disrupting their key functions. China is the world's largest maker of inverters, led by Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei, already heavily sanctioned by the U.S. Beijing has been expanding its share in the Western inverter market by driving down prices. Reuters previously reported that the FCC was working on a Chinese inverter ban, inspired by recent action by Europe and concerns around disruption and installation of malware. Authorities want to avoid another Chinese government-linked hacking campaign like the one dubbed Volt Typhoon, revealed in 2023. By taking control of privately owned routers, the attackers sought to hide subsequent attacks on American critical infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Defense is already barred from procuring solar photovoltaic cells, modules or inverters manufactured by a foreign entity of concern, which would include Chinese companies. Unitree, Sungrow and Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington; Additional reporting by Sarah McFarlane and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis)

Trump administration to ban new Chinese robots and inverters, protecting US AI buildout

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Tuesday plans to unveil new bans that target imports of the latest Chinese robots and power inverters, seeking to protect the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and reshore key industries slated for explosive growth, U.S. officials said. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday afternoon plans to roll out the measures, which bar Chinese imports of new humanoid and quadruped robots -- in addition to connected power inverters, which enable renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to grids and data center equipment, the people said. The restrictions, whose imminent release has not been previously reported, show the Trump administration is aiming to safeguard the U.S. artificial intelligence supply chain from Chinese threats of disruption, data theft and cyberattacks, while also driving firms to shift manufacturing to the U.S. "The President has made clear that the United States must have independent and secure supply chains for critical and emerging technologies like robotic devices and power inverters," said an administration official, who declined to be named because the matter was not public. "Economic security is national security, and the Trump administration continues to implement a nuanced and multi-faceted policy agenda to reindustrialize America," he added. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington; Additional reporting by Sarah McFarlane; Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis)