US Restricts Foreign-Made Robots, Citing National Security Concerns

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added a new category of robots to its "Covered List," effectively blocking new models from receiving equipment authorization. This move is primarily aimed at preventing technology manufactured in countries deemed a national security risk, with China being the implicit target.

The restriction extends beyond humanoid robots, encompassing any ground-based, wirelessly connected device weighing over 4.4 pounds that runs its own software. This includes a wide range of products such as robot vacuums, lawnmowers, quadrupedal robots, and warehouse automation systems. The FCC's action is a preventive measure, not a ban on existing devices, and it focuses on the place of production rather than specific companies.