The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on imports of new foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots, as well as certain power inverters, citing national security concerns. While the measure does not explicitly name China, it is widely understood to be aimed at Chinese manufacturers, who dominate the global market for humanoid robots with an estimated 85% share.
The FCC stated that advanced robotics equipment poses risks related to cybersecurity and supply chain vulnerabilities. This move follows previous U.S. restrictions on Chinese technology imports, including drones and telecommunications gear, and comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over technology competition.
China swiftly condemned the ban, labeling it discriminatory and protectionist. The Chinese commerce ministry warned that the U.S. action could disrupt global supply chains and damage bilateral trade relations. In a statement, Beijing pledged to "take all measures necessary" to defend the rights of Chinese businesses but did not specify potential retaliatory steps.
The banned power inverters are critical components used to convert direct current electricity into alternating current and are integral to renewable energy systems, data centers, and household appliances. Analysts suggest that the impact on U.S. markets may be limited, as the restrictions apply only to new products and not to equipment already in use or models previously approved.
The move highlights the intensifying competition between the United States and China in emerging technology sectors, particularly as China’s robotics industry rapidly expands. Chinese companies such as Unitree and AGIBOT shipped more than 5,000 humanoid robots each in the previous year, far surpassing U.S. firms like Tesla and Figure AI, which shipped only a few hundred units. Chinese manufacturers have leveraged significant production scale and cost advantages, supported by government policies fostering technology growth.
Industry experts caution that U.S. import restrictions may protect domestic developers from Chinese price competition and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains but are unlikely to substantially slow China's broader humanoid robotics development. This is due in part to China’s robust domestic manufacturing base and the global demand for its products.
The ban also raises questions about the future of technological collaboration. Some partnerships between U.S. and Chinese firms could be affected, such as Nvidia’s recent development of a humanoid robot reference design utilizing Unitree’s chassis.
The Pentagon has listed Unitree and other Chinese technology companies as having ties to the Chinese military, a claim Beijing rejects. The FCC and U.S. officials view control over advanced robotics as vital due to concerns that robotic systems could facilitate data collection and play a strategic role in an AI-driven economy.
As the U.S. and China prepare for a scheduled meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September, this latest development adds another potential flashpoint in their complex economic and technological relationship.