The Trump administration has banned imports of new foreign-made humanoid and four-legged robots, citing “unacceptable risks” to the United States. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added “advanced robotics equipment” to its Covered List on July 28, blocking future imports of the technology, much of which comes from China.

According to the statement by the FCC, the cover list was updated to include two new categories of devices—“advanced robotic devices” (defined as mobile robots, such as humanoids and quadrupeds) and, separately, connected power inverters produced in foreign countries. 

A White House-convened executive branch interagency body with appropriate national security expertise determined that these foreign-made products, regardless of the nationality of origin, “pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons.

The ban also covers grid-tied power inverters used in data centers and solar panels. The FCC said these devices could allow foreign governments to shut down equipment, steal data, or launch cyberattacks.

The FCC cited concerns that the use of foreign-made inverters could allow overseas firms to turn them off, steal data, facilitate remote access and surveillance by “foreign government actors, or be otherwise exploited through a cyberattack.

China’s foreign ministry responded, saying it “firmly opposes the US overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies.” Spokesperson Mao Ning added: “Protectionism will not enhance US competitiveness. It will only harm the interests of US businesses and consumers.”

The ban affects Chinese manufacturers, including Unitree, UBTech, and AgiBot. Unitree, the global leader with nearly 20% market share, recently partnered with Nvidia to power its robots with Blackwell chips. Nvidia said data collected by the robots remains in the US, and Unitree’s primary American customers are academic and research institutions.

The administration has not provided public evidence that Chinese humanoid robots have been used for espionage or cyberattacks. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is doing “everything we can to secure America’s critical supply chains,” but no specific incidents have been cited. The ban applies only to models not yet on the market. 

Morgan Stanley projects the humanoid robot market could reach $5 trillion by 2050. The ban is part of a broader US effort to keep AI supply chains out of Chinese hands and bring manufacturing back to the US. It follows previous restrictions on semiconductors and electric vehicles.

Robot24.com Business News TAKE:

The humanoid robot market is still young, but the US is already drawing battle lines. The ban targets future imports, not existing ones—suggesting this is more about shaping the competitive landscape than addressing an immediate threat. China’s response is predictably defiant, and the exemptions for non-Chinese suppliers confirm this is a targeted move against Beijing. The real question is whether American companies can fill the gap. If not, this ban may hurt US consumers more than it hurts China.