The Federal Communications Commission updated its Covered List on Tuesday to block new imports of foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots, citing national security risks — a move that targets China, which dominates the global market for such devices.
The FCC said the restrictions apply to new device models only and do not affect previously purchased robots or models the agency had already authorized. Sales to or use by the federal government are also exempt from the ban, the agency said.
The action stems from a determination issued by a White House-convened interagency body that foreign-produced advanced robotic devices "pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons." According to that determination, connected robots gather data that bad actors could exploit to monitor Americans, bolster the reach of foreign intelligence services, or seize direct control of the devices themselves, while dependence on overseas manufacturing leaves U.S. supply chains exposed.
The same determination covered connected power inverters produced abroad, which regulators said could be exploited to cut off power, exfiltrate data, or facilitate remote access by foreign government actors.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement that the move was intended to "secure America's critical supply chains" and described it as acting "in lock step with our national security agencies."
Producers of advanced robotic devices can apply for a "Conditional Approval" exemption from the Department of War, which would allow them to continue receiving FCC equipment authorization. Applications can be submitted to [email protected], the agency said.
China's Foreign Ministry pushed back against the restrictions, charging that Washington was invoking national security concerns as a cover for targeting Chinese companies. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, speaking to reporters in Beijing on Wednesday, pledged that China would take "all measures necessary" to defend the interests of Chinese businesses. "Protectionism does not make the U.S. more competitive, and it will only hurt the interests of U.S. companies and consumers," she said.
China holds roughly 85% of the global humanoid robot market, according to the Associated Press. Global humanoid robot shipments totaled roughly 15,000 units in 2025, with Chinese firms Unitree and AGIBOT accounting for more than 5,000 apiece, while American rivals such as Tesla $TSLA and Figure AI lagged far behind at a few hundred units each, according to CNN, citing technology research firm Omdia.
The FCC noted that Tuesday's action is consistent with steps it has taken in recent months, having previously placed foreign-made drones and consumer-grade routers on the Covered List as well.