WASHINGTON: The FCC robot ban blocked new foreign-made humanoid robots, quadrupeds and connected power inverters from obtaining US equipment authorisation from July 28.
The Federal Communications Commission added both product categories to its Covered List after a White House-convened interagency body identified national security and cybersecurity risks.
The restriction applies to mobile robots, such as humanoids and four-legged robot dogs. It also applies to connected inverters that convert electricity and link solar panels, batteries and other equipment to power networks.
The FCC’s official notice applies to qualifying products made in any foreign country, regardless of the manufacturer’s nationality. Therefore, the measure does not formally target China alone.
However, Chinese companies dominate the humanoid robot market and rank among the leading power-inverter manufacturers.
The FCC robot ban will prevent covered new models from securing the authorisation generally required before importation, marketing or sale in the United States.
The FCC said the restrictions do not affect previously authorised models. Retailers may continue importing and selling those products, while consumers may keep using devices they already own.
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Federal agencies may also continue purchasing or using the equipment. The Department of War may conditionally approve robotic devices that do not pose unacceptable risks.
Either the Department of Energy or the Department of Homeland Security may approve qualifying inverters.
National security agencies said networked robots could collect sensitive information, support surveillance or allow unauthorised remote control.
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They also warned that compromised inverters could disrupt electricity infrastructure or expose operational data.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the action would strengthen critical US supply chains. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused.
Washington is concerned about overstretching national security to suppress Chinese companies.
