The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned new imports of Chinese humanoid robots and power inverters, declaring that the technologies pose "unacceptable risks" to American national security. The announcement, made on Tuesday, extends the Trump administration's ongoing effort to limit Chinese technology from entering US markets and supply chains.
The FCC defines the banned devices as "advanced robotic devices," a category that includes both humanoid robots — machines designed to resemble and move like humans — and animal-like four-legged machines known as quadrupeds. The agency warned that such robots, increasingly equipped with AI-enabled systems, could be used by "malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots." Alongside the robots, the FCC also banned new imports of connected power inverters, components essential for linking renewable energy sources and batteries to electrical grids and data centre equipment. The agency warned these devices could potentially be switched off remotely, used to steal data, or exploited through cyberattacks by foreign government actors.
The ban applies only to models not yet approved for the US market. The FCC retains authority to revoke existing authorisations for products already cleared for sale, though it has not announced immediate action against those. China is the world's dominant manufacturer of power inverters, with firms such as Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei — both already subject to significant US sanctions — leading global production. The robotics sector is also emerging as a key area of competition between the two countries, with Chinese manufacturers such as Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot among the leading global players.
The Trump administration framed the measures in terms of both security and economic strategy. An unnamed administration official cited the need for "independent and secure supply chains for critical and emerging technologies," adding that "economic security is national security." FCC chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was doing its part "to secure America's critical supply chains." China's embassy in Washington rejected the move as political, accusing the US of "smearing Chinese companies" and issuing sanctions on "groundless pretexts." Beijing warned it would "take all necessary measures" in response to actions that harm its interests.
The restrictions reflect deepening tensions over technological leadership. Chinese commentators have characterised the measures as a sign of US anxiety over a narrowing innovation gap, while analysts note that humanoid robots are forecast for widespread adoption in both consumer and industrial settings — making control of that supply chain a significant long-term strategic prize.