The administration of US President Donald Trump has banned the import into the United States of new humanoid robots and four-legged robots manufactured abroad, arguing that these devices pose a risk to national security.
The decision, announced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), also includes a ban on the import of power inverters used in data centers and solar power systems. All of these products have been added to the FCC's Covered List, which includes equipment considered a threat to U.S. critical infrastructure.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the move is aimed at protecting critical supply chains, warning that robots manufactured outside the U.S. could be used for surveillance, espionage or remotely controlled by malicious actors. The agency said even power inverters could be used for cyberattacks, system disruptions or data theft.
The ban applies only to new models of these devices and does not affect robots or inverters that have previously received authorization from the FCC to be imported or marketed in the US.
Most humanoid and four-legged robots are produced in China, which is competing with the US in the development of robotics and artificial intelligence. For this reason, the decision is seen as part of Washington's strategy to protect technological superiority and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
The Chinese embassy in Washington reacted immediately, calling the move a politicization of trade and security issues. Beijing accused the US of using “baseless pretexts” against Chinese companies and warned that it would take all necessary measures to protect its interests, while calling on Washington to abandon its “hegemonic mentality” and support international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.