NEW YORK: The United States has expanded its national security restrictions by banning the import of foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots, citing concerns that advanced robotic systems could pose cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure and public safety.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that “advanced robotic devices” have been added to its list of restricted technologies, joining products such as certain drones and equipment from Chinese companies including Huawei and China Telecom.
The decision follows recommendations from a White House task force, which concluded that mobile robots capable of walking on two or four legs could expose sensitive networks and infrastructure to cyber threats if manufactured abroad.
The restrictions apply to newly imported models and do not affect robots already approved or sold in the United States. They also cover robots assembled domestically if more than 35 per cent of their components are manufactured overseas, although exemptions may be granted for the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security.
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Most humanoid robots currently used in the US are manufactured overseas, particularly in China, and are mainly deployed in factories, warehouses and other industrial settings.
The move comes as the Trump administration seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies. US-based companies including Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Figure AI and Agility Robotics are expanding production of humanoid robots, with new manufacturing facilities planned or under development.
The FCC also extended the restrictions to certain foreign-made electrical inverters used in renewable energy systems, reflecting broader efforts to secure critical technology supply chains.
