U.S. bans foreign-made humanoid robots, targeting China over national security

The Federal Communications Commission said it would ban the import of foreign-made humanoid robots in a move that targets China, arguing they pose a national security risk.

HONG KONG — The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is banning imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move that targets China.

The measures are likely to test relations with Beijing ahead of a planned U.S. visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China dominates the global market for humanoid robots with an estimated market share of roughly 85%.

The FCC’s ban also includes new imports of quadruped robots — often referred to as four-legged robot dogs. The agency said imports of advanced robots pose cybersecurity and other national security risks. Offshore production of such equipment also leaves U.S. supply chains vulnerable to disruptions.

The ban on power inverters, which are used to convert DC electricity into AC electricity and are used in renewable energy systems, data centers and household appliances, could have sweeping ramifications.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr said Tuesday that the move was to “secure America’s critical supply chains.” He said the bans apply to “new versions” of such imports.