The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a prohibition on the importation of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters due to concerns over national security risks, with a specific focus on China. In response, Beijing has condemned the U.S., labeling the move as protectionist.
These restrictions are anticipated to strain relations with Beijing in light of an upcoming visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China holds a dominant position in the global humanoid robot market, accounting for an estimated market share of approximately 85%.
The FCC’s ban extends to new imports of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency highlighted that the importation of advanced robots presents cybersecurity and national security vulnerabilities. Additionally, offshore manufacturing of such equipment exposes U.S. supply chains to potential disruptions.
The ban on power inverters, which are essential for converting 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 the objective of the ban is to safeguard America’s critical supply chains. He clarified that the restrictions apply to “new iterations” of these imports.
These FCC measures are part of a series of U.S. restrictions on Chinese imports, including drones, and limitations on the export of advanced U.S. technology to China. The U.S. is also contemplating regulations on the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, coinciding with the rapid advancement of Chinese AI technology.
China has been rapidly integrating robots into various sectors, supported by government policies aimed at bolstering its technology industry. Analysts predict that China’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion US by 2030, with Chinese manufacturers outpacing foreign competitors in production efficiency and cost reduction.
The restrictions on Chinese imports may impact collaborations between U.S. and Chinese tech firms. For instance, Nvidia recently unveiled a humanoid robot reference design utilizing China’s Unitree humanoid chassis.
In response to the U.S. actions, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move, accusing the U.S. of stretching the national security concept to suppress Chinese companies. China vowed to take all necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of its businesses.
The new bans could also disrupt partnerships between U.S. and Chinese technology companies, potentially affecting the development of advanced technologies. The Pentagon’s inclusion of Unitree and other Chinese tech firms on its list of entities with alleged ties to the Chinese military has further strained relations between the two countries.
Overall, these FCC restrictions on humanoid robots and power inverters underscore the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China in the realms of technology and national security.
