No Chinese Humanoid Robots in US for Now
The Trump administration has banned imports of new Chinese-made humanoid robots into the United States as part of a broader effort to strengthen technology security. The restrictions also cover new Chinese quadruped robots and connected power inverters. U.S. officials said the move is designed to protect the country’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, strengthen critical supply chains, and reduce security risks linked to advanced connected devices.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the measures on July 28, and they took effect immediately. However, the restrictions apply only to products that have not yet received FCC authorization. Previously approved devices remain unaffected unless the agency later revokes their approval. House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar welcomed the decision, saying it strengthens U.S. national security and supports the domestic robotics industry. The measures are expected to affect Unitree, which holds nearly 20% of the global humanoid robot market and was recently added to the Pentagon’s list of companies alleged to have links with the Chinese military.
FCC Blocks New Chinese Humanoid Robots and Power Inverters to Protect US AI Infrastructure
The FCC has added new foreign-made advanced robots and connected power inverters to its Covered List, making them ineligible for the equipment authorization required to enter the U.S. market. The restrictions apply to humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and power inverters used in renewable energy systems, battery storage, and AI data centers. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the action is intended to secure America’s critical supply chains and strengthen the protection of infrastructure that increasingly depends on connected technologies.
The decision follows a national security review that identified cybersecurity risks associated with network-connected devices. According to the FCC, advanced robots could enable surveillance, unauthorized remote access, intelligence gathering, or cyberattacks if exploited by hostile actors. The agency also warned that power inverters produced by companies such as Sungrow and Huawei could pose risks to electricity networks and sensitive data. Officials said the policy reflects lessons learned from incidents such as the Volt Typhoon cyber campaign and complements existing Defense Department restrictions on Chinese-made energy equipment.
China Criticizes US Ban as Washington Expands Technology Security Measures
China condemned the restrictions and urged Washington to stop targeting Chinese technology companies. Beijing warned that it would take necessary measures if Chinese interests were harmed and called for greater international cooperation in developing artificial intelligence for peaceful purposes. China’s Ministry of Commerce said AI-driven exports have become a major contributor to trade growth.
The restrictions are expected to affect major Chinese robotics companies, including Unitree, UBTech, and AgiBot, as Washington increases scrutiny of advanced connected technologies. According to Barclays, China accounted for about 85% of global humanoid robot deployments in 2025, while Morgan Stanley estimates the country’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion by 2030. Omdia Chief Analyst Lian Jye Su said the measures could also affect technology partnerships between U.S. and Chinese companies, including the collaboration between Nvidia and Unitree, which unveiled a humanoid robot reference design in June. Together, the latest developments show how AI, robotics, and national security have become central to the intensifying technology competition between the United States and China.
Web Resources On No Chinese Humanoid Robots in US
1. AP News.com : US bans foreign-made humanoid robots, targeting China over national security.
2. BBC.com : Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots.
3. Reuters.com : Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots, to protect US AI buildout.
4. Guardian.com : US bans humanoid robots from China, citing ‘unacceptable risks’.
5. CNN.com : China’s humanoid robots have been taking over the global market. Now the US is banning them.