United States effectively blocks the expansion of China’s influence by banning imports of foreign-made robots

The United States has imposed a sweeping ban on new imports of humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and power inverters. The move goes beyond restrictions on Chinese semiconductors and AI chips, extending control to Embodied AI and the power infrastructure that supports data centers. Analysts say Washington now sees the center of AI competition shifting from semiconductors to robots and power grids, and that pressure on China’s advanced manufacturing sector is likely to intensify.
On the 28th local time, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it would ban imports of new models of advanced robots, including humanoid and quadruped robots. Power inverters that connect renewable energy systems and batteries to power grids and data centers were also placed under the same restrictions. The FCC said it was concerned that advanced robots could collect video footage, location data, and sensor information that may be used by foreign intelligence agencies.
Although the measure did not name any specific country, it is widely seen as targeting Chinese companies. In particular, Unitree Robotics, one of the leading players in the global humanoid robot market, is expected to be directly affected.
Chinese inverter makers such as Huawei and Sungrow are also likely to fall under the restrictions. Chinese companies already dominate the global inverter market for solar power and batteries, so the move is expected to affect efforts to reshape supply chains for U.S. AI data centers and power infrastructure.
However, products that have already been approved, as well as existing products purchased by consumers, may continue to be used. Products approved by the federal government, the United States Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will also be exempt. The FCC also left open the possibility of exemptions if manufacturers move production facilities to the United States.
[email protected] Kim Kyung-min Reporter