US foreign robots ban covers mobile robots and power inverters
The FCC announced import restrictions on foreign-made advanced robots and power inverters, citing national security risks.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
3 min read
The US foreign robots ban announced by the Federal Communications Commission will restrict imports of foreign-made “advanced robotic devices” and power inverters. The FCC said Tuesday the move is based on what it called “unacceptable risks” to US national security or to the safety and security of people in the United States.
Reuters reported earlier that the Trump administration was aiming the action at Chinese robots and inverters as part of an effort to protect US artificial intelligence buildout. The FCC said the ban is not aimed at any one country, but the categories it named are likely to affect Chinese manufacturers, which have been expanding work on humanoid robots and are major suppliers of power inverters.
What does the FCC robot ban cover?
The FCC said the restrictions include mobile robots, including humanoid robots and four-legged models. The agency also said the category is broader than walking robots, meaning the rule can reach other robotic machines that meet its technical definition.
In an FAQ, the FCC defines an “advanced robotic device” as a machine capable of locomotion, obstacle avoidance, navigation or movement on the ground. The device must also include a sensor that can perceive its surroundings and a chip that provides network connectivity, according to the agency.
That definition ties the rule to robots that can move, sense the environment and connect to networks. It helps explain why the FCC is treating some robots as communications and security concerns rather than only as industrial equipment.
Why China is likely to feel the impact
The FCC’s announcement did not single out China, but Reuters described the import ban as China-focused. China has been increasing efforts to build humanoid robots, according to the Associated Press report cited in coverage of the move, and Chinese robot makers have drawn attention through public demonstrations and viral videos.
The Chinese company Unitree is one maker likely to be affected, according to The Verge. Its robots have appeared in videos showing humanoid machines dancing, competing in staged combat and performing on American television.
The rule arrives as US companies are also trying to build humanoid robots. Tesla has shifted attention toward its Optimus robot program, and The Verge has reported that Tesla discontinued its Model S and Model X vehicles to make room for Optimus production.
Power inverters are also included
The FCC action also covers foreign-made power inverters, a key component in solar panel systems and other renewable energy installations. Inverters convert electricity from one form to another so it can be used by equipment or sent into the grid.
China is home to major inverter producers, including Sungrow and Huawei, according to Wood Mackenzie rankings cited in coverage of the announcement. Huawei is already on a US blacklist, according to The Verge.
The FCC framed the robot and inverter restrictions as a security measure. The agency’s concern, as stated in its announcement, is that certain connected devices and energy components made abroad may pose risks to national security or to people in the United States.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.