Among other things, future models of two-legged and four-legged robots will only be approved with special approval from the Ministry of Defense, for exampleImage: www.imago-images.de
The US government bans the import of foreign-made robots that can move.
July 29, 2026, 02:23July 29, 2026, 02:23
This will particularly block Chinese manufacturers’ path to the US market – and shield domestic developers from their competition.
Among other things, future models of two-legged and four-legged robots will only be approved with special approval from the Ministry of Defense, for example, as the telecommunications regulator FCC announced.
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) cited the robots’ network capabilities as justification. These could be misused for spying or surveillance of Americans – and to control the robots remotely. Existing models that have already been approved by the FCC may continue to be imported and used.
The US government defines mobile robots as technical devices weighing more than two kilograms that can move themselves and avoid obstacles and have sensors, network connections and software for autonomous navigation. This description could also apply to advanced models of robot vacuum cleaners. This is a business area in which Chinese providers have beaten the US pioneer iRobot. Stationary robots, for example for industrial production, are expressly exempt from the ban.
Race with China for future business
Two-legged humanoid robots and four-legged models that are reminiscent of large dogs are considered big business for the future. Many companies are working on this, especially in the USA and China. Some robots from the Silicon Valley company Figure AI are used for simple tasks on production lines. At the electric car manufacturer Tesla, company boss Elon Musk wants to start production of the robot Optimus this year, which he is already announcing as “by far the largest product of all time”.
In addition to robots, the FCC also banned the import of inverters, which are a central component for solar power systems. Inverters convert the direct current generated by solar modules into alternating current, which can then be fed into the public power grid. Here too, Chinese providers, who are leaders in the global market, will be particularly affected. The FCC also pointed out the risks of the network connection, whereby the technology could be switched off or misused to collect data. (sda/dpa)