The Trump administration has announced a ban on new foreign-made advanced humanoid robots and power inverters entering the United States, citing national security concerns. The decision primarily affects Chinese-made robotic systems as Washington continues to tighten technology restrictions amid growing competition with Beijing.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday added advanced foreign-produced humanoid robots, four-legged robotic machines and certain power inverters to its Covered List, identifying them as products that could pose risks to America’s critical infrastructure and national security. The restrictions apply only to newly imported products and do not affect devices that were previously authorized.
According to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the agency is taking steps to secure America’s critical supply chains by preventing technologies that could potentially be exploited by foreign governments. The FCC said advanced robots manufactured outside the United States could be vulnerable to remote access, surveillance, cyberattacks or unauthorized control by foreign actors.
The regulator also included power inverters used in data centres and solar energy systems, warning that compromised devices could potentially disrupt operations, steal sensitive data or provide unauthorized access to critical infrastructure.
China strongly criticized the move. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing opposes what it described as the politicization of trade and technology issues based on “groundless pretexts.” The embassy urged the United States to abandon its “hegemonic mindset” and stop imposing sanctions on Chinese companies.
Chinese officials also stated that they would take all necessary measures to safeguard the country’s interests while calling for international cooperation in the development of artificial intelligence for peaceful and beneficial purposes.
The latest restrictions come as competition between the world’s two largest economies intensifies in artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced semiconductor technologies. The United States has already imposed export controls on advanced AI chips destined for China and has introduced measures aimed at limiting Beijing’s access to cutting-edge technology.
China has rapidly emerged as the world’s largest producer of humanoid robots, with companies including Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot developing machines for industrial, commercial and household applications. Their products have increasingly attracted global attention ahead of competing offerings from American firms such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics.
The decision also reflects Washington’s broader effort to reduce dependence on Chinese technology after previous supply chain disruptions, including tighter Chinese export controls on rare earth materials that are essential for electronics, electric vehicles and defence industries.
Industry observers expect the latest restrictions to further deepen the technology rivalry between the United States and China, particularly in artificial intelligence and next-generation robotics.
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