The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a ban on humanoid robots from China on Tuesday, citing ‘unacceptable risks’ to national security. The move, part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to secure supply chains for critical technologies, adds ‘advanced robotic devices’ such as humanoids and animal-like quadrupeds to the agency’s Covered List of equipment deemed too risky for sale in the U.S.

Risks and Concerns

FCC officials warned that these devices collect data that could be used by ‘malign actors’ for surveillance, intelligence enhancement, or remote commandeering. ‘Advanced robotic devices can surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or be remotely controlled,’ the FCC stated in its determination of risk.

Chinese companies currently dominate the global humanoid robot market. Six of the top 10 manufacturers are based in China, collectively responsible for 87% of all shipped humanoid robots, according to recent brand share data. The ban will effectively block these foreign-produced robots from receiving FCC equipment authorization, a requirement for importing, marketing, or selling in the U.S.

Economic and Security Strategy

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized that the move is both a national security and economic decision. ‘Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will continue to do our part to secure America’s critical supply chains,’ Carr said in a statement. He added that the agency is ‘acting in lock step with our national security agencies.’

An unnamed administration official told Reuters that the president has made it clear the U.S. must have ‘independent and secure supply chains for critical and emerging technologies like robotic devices and power inverters.’ The official also stated that ‘economic security is national security,’ and that the administration is implementing a ‘complex and multi-faceted policy agenda to reindustrialize America.’

Reactions and Implications

The ban also extends to connected power inverters, which link renewable energy sources, batteries, and data center equipment to the grid. These are now also barred from FCC authorization. The move aligns with a broader trend of the Trump administration seeking to limit the presence of Chinese technology in the U.S.

China’s embassy in Washington responded by urging the U.S. to ‘heed the objective and rational voices of the business communities in both countries’ and to ‘stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions.’

The ban is a significant development in the still-emerging humanoid robot market. While the technology is in its early stages, the restrictions could rework the global competition for robotic innovation and supply chain control.