US bans new imports of Chinese humanoid robots, robot dogs and power inverters over security concerns – Firstpost
The United States has announced a sweeping restriction on the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs and power inverters, marking another escalation in its long-running technology dispute with China. Washington says the decision is aimed at reducing the risk that connected devices manufactured overseas could be exploited for espionage, cyberattacks or other activities that threaten national security.
The decision was unveiled on Tuesday by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which argued that internet-connected devices capable of operating remotely present an unacceptable security risk if they can be influenced by foreign governments. Although the measure applies to foreign-made products more broadly, it is expected to have its greatest impact on Chinese manufacturers, which dominate several of the affected product categories.
The restrictions come as Washington continues to tighten scrutiny of Chinese technology. They also follow discussions within the US administration over possible limits on Chinese open-weight artificial intelligence models, reflecting broader concerns about Beijing’s influence over emerging technologies.
FCC cites security risks from connected devices
According to the FCC, new imports of humanoid robots, quadruped robotic systems commonly known as robot dogs, and power inverters will no longer be permitted unless authorities determine that a specific product does not pose a threat to US national security. Existing devices already installed or operating in the country will not be affected.
US officials have repeatedly argued that connected hardware manufactured by Chinese companies could potentially be accessed remotely, enabling surveillance, disruption of critical systems or cyber operations directed against American infrastructure. Washington has also maintained that Chinese firms could be compelled under Beijing’s national security laws to cooperate with government intelligence requests.
The latest measure reflects those longstanding concerns, even as China has consistently denied accusations that it uses commercial technology companies to conduct espionage abroad.
Humanoid robots remain an emerging industry rather than a mass-market product. Industry estimates suggest roughly 15,000 such robots were shipped globally during 2025, with China’s two largest manufacturers accounting for the majority of worldwide deliveries. While their commercial adoption is still limited, US policymakers appear increasingly wary of their future role in industrial, commercial and potentially sensitive environments.
Power inverters, by contrast, are already widely deployed across American homes and businesses, particularly in solar energy systems where they convert electricity into a form compatible with the wider power grid. The FCC clarified that equipment already installed across the country will continue operating normally under the new policy.
Latest step in broader US-China technology dispute
The import restrictions add to a growing list of measures introduced by Washington against Chinese technology companies and products over recent years. Previous actions have included restrictions affecting Chinese surveillance equipment makers, consumer networking devices and legislation that ultimately forced TikTok into the control of US investors.
Beijing criticised the latest announcement. Responding to the FCC’s decision, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, quoted by the Associated Press, said China would use “all measures necessary” to safeguard the interests of its businesses.
The announcement also arrives ahead of an expected diplomatic engagement between the world’s two largest economies. Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Washington in September for a planned state visit, where discussions are likely to include trade, technology and national security, issues that continue to shape the increasingly tense relationship between the two countries.
