The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has implemented a ban on the importation of new foreign-produced humanoid robots and power inverters due to identified national security threats, particularly aimed at China. In response, Beijing has criticized the U.S. for engaging in protectionist practices. These measures are anticipated to strain relations with China as Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China currently holds a dominant position in the global humanoid robot market, boasting an estimated market share of approximately 85 percent.
The FCC’s prohibition extends to new imports of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency has emphasized that the importation of sophisticated robots carries cybersecurity and other national security risks. Relying on foreign production for such equipment also exposes U.S. supply chains to potential disruptions.
Additionally, the ban covers power inverters, essential for converting direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, commonly used in renewable energy systems, data centers, and household appliances. This ban is expected to have widespread implications.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated on Tuesday that the objective of these actions is to safeguard America’s critical supply chains. The bans specifically target “new versions” of these imports.
This move by the FCC follows a series of restrictions imposed by the U.S. on Chinese imports, including drones, and limitations on the export of advanced U.S. technology to China. There are also discussions underway regarding controlling the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, as China’s AI sector continues to grow rapidly.
China has been rapidly integrating robots into various sectors, supported by favorable technology policies. Analysts at Morgan Stanley project that China’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion US by 2030. Kangyuxiao Li, an analyst at Morningstar, noted that Chinese manufacturers have been increasing production efficiency and reducing costs at a faster pace compared to international competitors.
The restrictions may impact potential collaborations between U.S. and Chinese tech companies, as highlighted by Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at Omdia. For instance, Nvidia recently unveiled a humanoid robot reference design that incorporates the humanoid chassis developed by China’s Unitree. The Pentagon has listed Unitree and several other prominent Chinese tech companies as entities with alleged ties to or support for the Chinese military, a claim that Beijing has refuted.