The US is banning Chinese robots

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned new Chinese-made humanoid robots, quadruped robots and connected power inverters from entering the US market, citing national security and cybersecurity risks.

The move expands the FCC’s Covered List, which prevents affected products from receiving FCC equipment authorisation. Without it, new devices cannot be imported, marketed or sold in the US; the same move was used previously on the likes of Huawei and ZTE.

According to the FCC, internet-connected robots could be exploited for surveillance, data collection or remote control, while connected power inverters used in solar systems, battery storage and data centres could be used to disrupt critical infrastructure or steal sensitive data.

“Advanced robotic devices collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors
to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to
remotely commandeer the robots,” – US FCC

That being said, these restrictions only apply to new product models. Existing devices that have already been approved can continue to be imported, sold and used, with consumers who already own them are not affected.

Reuters meanwhile reported that the measures are primarily aimed at Chinese manufacturers, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese technology in AI and critical infrastructure. Unsurprisingly, China has criticised the move, accusing the US of targeting Chinese companies and warning that it will take all necessary measures to protect its interests.

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