Trump administration bans imports of Chinese-made humanoid robots - UPI.com

United States Updates Import Restrictions on Advanced Robotic Systems and Power Inverters

July 29 — The United States government has added certain categories of advanced robotic devices and power inverters to a list of equipment subject to import restrictions, according to an announcement by the Federal Communications Commission. The action applies to new models of humanoid robots, four-legged robots, and bipedal systems, as well as power inverters used in electricity generation and distribution.

The measures were implemented through an update to the FCC’s Covered List, which identifies equipment and services determined to pose risks under the Secure Networks Act of 2020. The list is maintained to address equipment and services designated by relevant federal agencies as presenting unacceptable risks to national security or the safety of U.S. persons.

A determination issued by agencies convened under the Trump administration stated that networked capabilities of advanced robotic systems create vulnerabilities that could allow manipulation of data or physical operations. The document noted that reliance on foreign-produced robotic devices introduces supply chain and cybersecurity concerns. It further indicated that such devices can collect data that might be used to surveil individuals, support foreign intelligence activities, or enable remote control by unauthorized parties.

China is identified in industry reports as the largest global producer of humanoid robots, with the United States serving as a primary export market. The restrictions on new models do not apply to manufacturers that hold existing conditional waivers issued by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau or, for robotic systems, the Department of Defense. The FCC stated that suppliers may apply for conditional approval.

Power inverters, which convert direct current from sources such as solar panels and batteries into alternating current compatible with the electrical grid, were also added to the Covered List. The FCC cited risks that overseas supply chains could be disrupted or that networked inverters could be accessed remotely, potentially affecting grid operations or enabling data collection. Any compromise to electricity supply was described as carrying implications for economic and national security functions.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued a statement supporting the inclusion of both categories on the Covered List. He said the commission was acting in coordination with national security agencies to address supply chain security.

The Chinese government responded to the announcement through official channels. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated at a Beijing press conference that China opposes the extension of national security concepts to restrict Chinese companies. She described the measures as protectionist and indicated they would not enhance U.S. competitiveness while affecting the interests of companies and consumers in both countries. She added that China would take steps to protect the lawful rights of its enterprises.

China’s Commerce Ministry issued a separate statement calling for international cooperation on technology development and opposing the framing of trade issues in political terms. The ministry urged the United States to consider views from business communities in both nations and to avoid actions that target specific companies through sanctions.

The restrictions apply only to new models entering the U.S. market. Existing conditional approvals remain in place, and the FCC indicated it would continue to review waiver applications on a case-by-case basis. No immediate changes were announced for equipment already in use or previously approved under the Secure Networks Act framework.

Industry analysts have noted that the Covered List process involves interagency review and public comment periods before final designations. The July 29 update follows earlier additions to the list that addressed telecommunications equipment and video surveillance systems from designated foreign entities.