US bans foreign-made robots over cybersecurity risks
The US Federal Communications Commission has added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List, effectively banning robots made abroad—including humanoid and four-legged robots from China and even robot vacuum cleaners—over national security concerns. The ban, effective July 28, follows cybersecurity vulnerabilities previously found in Chinese-made robots. The FCC acted on direction from a White House-convened interagency body including national security agencies. The move impacts a wide range of foreign-manufactured robots, potentially benefiting US-based robot makers while disrupting supply chains.
Key facts
- FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to Covered List on July 28
- Ban covers humanoid robots, four-legged robots from China, and robot vacuum cleaners
- Justified by cybersecurity vulnerabilities found in Chinese-made robots
- FCC cannot update Covered List on its own initiative
- White House convened executive branch interagency body including national security agencies
- Determined foreign-made robots pose unacceptable risk to US national security
- Ban applies to robots manufactured anywhere abroad
- Covered List includes technologies deemed a risk to US persons
Entities
Institutions
- US Federal Communications Commission
- White House
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Locations
- United States
- China
- Washington
- Beijing