United States Bans Imports of Humanoid and Quadruped Robots

[Financial News] The United States has imposed a sweeping ban on new imports of advanced robots, including humanoid robots and Quadruped Robots, citing national security and the protection of critical infrastructure. The restrictions also cover power inverters connected to the electrical grid and data center equipment, further intensifying pressure on China's advanced manufacturing sector.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on the 28th that it would ban imports of new models of humanoid robots and Quadruped Robots. The same measure also applies to inverter devices that connect renewable energy sources and batteries to electrical grid and data center equipment.
The FCC said the data collected by advanced robots could be misused to surveil Americans or strengthen the intelligence-gathering capabilities of foreign agencies. It also warned that hacking could allow robots to be remotely hijacked.
The FCC emphasized that power inverters could also allow foreign companies to remotely shut down equipment or collect and leak data. It added that they could become a channel for cyberattacks targeting the electrical grid and data centers.
The move is also seen as part of a broader strategy to protect the domestic Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry and key supply chains, in addition to national security.
Brendan Carr, a commissioner at the FCC, said, "Following President Donald Trump's leadership, the FCC is carrying out its role in protecting America's critical supply chains." He added, "We are working closely with national security agencies to respond to these threats."
The FCC's import ban applies to all imported products, not just those from a specific country. However, it is widely viewed as a measure aimed at Chinese robots and related equipment. It also appears intended to pressure overseas robot production facilities to move to the United States.
The measure does not affect the use of products already purchased by consumers or the sale of models that had previously been approved. Federal government purchases and use are also excluded, and exceptions are allowed if manufacturers have received approval from the United States Department of Defense and DHS.
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America did not respond to a request for comment on the measure.

[email protected] Kim Kyung-min Reporter