The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has announced a prohibition on the importation of new foreign-produced humanoid robots and power inverters due to national security concerns, specifically targeting China. In response, Beijing has accused the U.S. of engaging in protectionist practices.
These new restrictions are expected to strain relations with China as Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China currently dominates the global market for humanoid robots, holding an estimated 85% market share.
The ban imposed by the FCC also extends to new imports of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency highlighted the cybersecurity and national security risks posed by the importation of advanced robots. Offshore manufacturing of such equipment could also expose U.S. supply chains to potential disruptions.
Additionally, the ban on power inverters, which convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity and are utilized in renewable energy systems, data centers, and household appliances, could have far-reaching implications. FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized that these measures aim to “safeguard America’s critical supply chains” and apply to the importation of “new versions” of such products.
The FCC’s recent prohibitions follow a series of U.S. restrictions on Chinese imports, including drones, as well as limitations on the export of advanced U.S. technology to China. The U.S. is also considering regulating the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, especially as Chinese AI technology continues to advance rapidly.
China has been increasingly integrating robots into various sectors, supported by government policies that promote technological innovation. Analysts project that China’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion by 2030, with Chinese manufacturers outpacing foreign competitors in terms of production scale and cost efficiency.
Despite the restriction on Chinese access to the U.S. market, analysts believe that it may not significantly impede China’s overall humanoid robot development due to its robust domestic manufacturing capabilities and opportunities in other export markets. The ban is expected to protect U.S. developers from potential price competition but may not substantially slow down China’s technological progress.
In response to the U.S. action, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move, accusing the U.S. of using national security as a pretext to suppress Chinese companies. China has pledged to take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses, emphasizing that protectionism will not enhance U.S. competitiveness and could harm American companies and consumers.
The recent bans could potentially disrupt collaborations between U.S. and Chinese technology firms, impacting initiatives such as Nvidia’s humanoid robot reference design that utilizes components from China’s Unitree. The Pentagon has also linked Unitree and other major Chinese tech companies to the Chinese military, a claim that Beijing has refuted.