The Trump administration announced a ban on Tuesday that blocks new imports of Chinese-made humanoid robots into the United States. Officials said the devices pose "unacceptable risks" to national security.
The ban also covers four-legged robots and power inverters. Many of these products are made in China, which has been racing to build advanced robots and artificial intelligence systems.
The Federal Communications Commission announced the new rules on Tuesday afternoon. The agency said the products were being added to its Covered List, a register of goods seen as a risk to national security.
What The Ban Covers
Power inverters are used in data centers and solar panels. They help connect renewable energy sources and batteries to the power grid.
The FCC said foreign-made inverters could let overseas companies turn off the devices remotely. It also warned they could be used to steal data or allow surveillance by foreign governments.
The agency said foreign-made robots carry similar risks. Officials said the machines could be used to spy on Americans or boost the abilities of foreign intelligence services.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was working to protect the country's supply chains. He said securing these chains was part of the FCC's job.
The ban does not affect robots or inverters that were already approved and sold in the US before the announcement. It only blocks new imports going forward.
China's Response To The Ban
The Chinese embassy in Washington responded to the announcement on Tuesday. It said the US has long used trade policy to target Chinese companies without real evidence.
The embassy said Beijing will "take all necessary measures" if the ban harms its interests. It also called on other countries to work together on AI development instead of restricting it.
Officials asked the US to stop what they called "smearing" Chinese companies. They said the country's AI progress came from its own effort and global cooperation, not from stealing technology.
The ban comes as the US and China continue to clash over trade. China is the world's largest maker of electric vehicles, but steep tariffs have kept those cars out of the American market.
Washington has also blocked sales of advanced US semiconductors to China. Officials said this was done to slow down China's military growth and keep the US ahead in AI development.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Chinese AI firms could face further sanctions. He pointed to claims that these firms have copied American technology.
Last year, China tightened controls on rare earth exports, materials that are needed for electronics. The US wants to avoid a repeat of the supply problems that followed.
Chinese firms including Unitree, UBTech, and AgiBot have built humanoid robots quickly. These companies have marketed their machines to businesses and shoppers ahead of US competitors working on similar robots.
The BBC has reached out to Unitree, UBTech, and AgiBot for comment on the new ban. None of the companies had responded at the time of publication.
