US bans new Chinese humanoid robots over national security fears The United States has moved to block new Chinese-made humanoid robots from entering the American market, with federal regulators warning the advanced machines pose "unacceptable risks" to national security. The decision marks the latest step by the Trump administration to reduce America's reliance on Chinese technology and strengthen domestic manufacturing of critical industries. FCC cites spying and security concernsThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it will prohibit new Chinese "advanced robotic devices," a category that includes both humanoid robots and four-legged robotic systems. Regulators warned the machines could collect sensitive data that might be exploited by hostile governments. According to the FCC, the robots could potentially be used to monitor Americans, support foreign intelligence operations or even be remotely taken over by malicious actors. Officials argued the risks were too great to allow further expansion of Chinese-made robotic technology in the United States. Restrictions extend beyond robotsThe new measures also cover connected power inverters—key pieces of equipment that allow solar panels, battery storage systems and other renewable energy technologies to connect to electricity grids and large data centres. The administration said securing supply chains for emerging technologies was essential to protecting both the economy and national security. An administration official said President Donald Trump had made it clear the United States must build independent and secure supply chains for critical technologies, adding that "economic security is national security." Part of wider technology crackdownThe latest restrictions are part of a broader campaign to limit Chinese influence in strategic sectors ranging from telecommunications and artificial intelligence to semiconductors and energy infrastructure. Washington has repeatedly argued that Chinese technology companies could be compelled to cooperate with Beijing's intelligence services under Chinese law, an accusation Chinese officials have consistently denied. The policy also aligns with the administration's efforts to encourage more high-tech manufacturing to return to the United States. Existing products unaffected—for nowThe FCC said the ban applies only to new robot and inverter models that have not yet received approval for sale in the United States. However, regulators noted they retain the authority to revoke approvals for products already on the market if future security concerns arise. Fast-growing industryHumanoid robots are widely expected to become an increasingly important part of both industry and everyday life as artificial intelligence continues to advance. Technology companies are investing heavily in robots capable of performing warehouse work, manufacturing tasks and even household assistance. At the same time, demand for power inverters is soaring as the United States expands renewable energy generation and builds new AI data centres. China currently dominates global inverter production, with major manufacturers including Huawei and Sungrow already facing significant U.S. restrictions. The Chinese Embassy in Washington had not commented on the FCC's decision at the time of publication. SOURCE
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