Trump Administration Cracks Down: US Bans Import of New Chinese-Made Humanoid Robots

The Donald Trump administration has announced a ban on the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots, citing national security concerns. The restriction covers advanced robotics, including humanoid and four-legged robots, most of which are manufactured in China — widely regarded as America's chief rival in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Ban also extends to power inverters

The restriction is not limited to humanoid robots alone. The US has also banned the import of new foreign-made power inverters. The decision was taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which said such products could pose a threat to the American economy and critical infrastructure security. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was fulfilling its responsibility to safeguard America's critical supply chains.

Products added to the 'Covered List'

The ban applies specifically to new advanced robots and power inverters manufactured abroad. The FCC has added these products to its "Covered List" — a register of goods and services deemed potential threats to US national security. However, models that have already received FCC approval will not be affected by this decision, whether for import or sale.

Why has the ban been imposed?

The FCC said power inverters made by foreign companies could pose a range of security risks. There are concerns that such devices could be remotely shut down, used to steal data, accessed remotely without authorisation, or used for surveillance. Officials also warned of the potential for misuse through foreign state-backed cyberattacks.

The commission further stated that foreign-made advanced robots could potentially be used to monitor American citizens, further the activities of foreign intelligence agencies, or be remotely controlled by external actors.

A race for market dominance

Meanwhile, several foreign companies have been rapidly rolling out their humanoid robots, aiming to reach businesses and everyday consumers quickly. Many are seeking to establish an early lead in the market before American companies launch humanoid robots at scale.