Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots over security fears

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced a ban on new imports of foreign-made advanced humanoid robots and power inverters, citing unacceptable risks to national security and economic stability. The move, enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), targets cutting-edge robotic systems—including humanoid and four-legged machines—as well as power inverters used in data centers and solar panels. The ban applies to new foreign-produced devices and does not affect previously authorized models.

FCC adds robots and inverters to Covered List

The FCC has placed these items on its Covered List, a registry of goods deemed a threat to U.S. national security. The agency expressed concerns that power inverters from overseas could allow foreign firms to remotely disable them, steal data, or enable surveillance by government actors. Similarly, the use of non-U.S. robots could permit malign actors to spy on Americans, enhance foreign intelligence capabilities, or take control of the machines through cyberattacks. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the agency is acting to secure America's critical supply chains.

Escalation in US-China tech rivalry

The ban intensifies the ongoing competition between the United States and China over robotics and artificial intelligence. China is the world's largest producer of humanoid robots, and its companies have rapidly developed machines for factories and homes. The Trump administration has already levied steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and restricted the sale of cutting-edge semiconductors to China, citing national security and the need to maintain U.S. leadership in AI. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also warned that Chinese AI firms could face sanctions over alleged intellectual property theft.

China condemns 'groundless pretexts'

The Chinese embassy in Washington responded sharply, accusing the U.S. of politicizing trade issues and imposing sanctions on baseless grounds. Beijing stated it will take all necessary measures to protect its interests and urged the U.S. to abandon its hegemonic mindset and stop smearing Chinese companies. The embassy called for international cooperation to develop AI for positive purposes. Major Chinese robot manufacturers, including Unitree, UBTech, and AgiBot, have been contacted for comment but have not yet responded.

Broader trade and supply chain implications

The ban comes amid a broader U.S. effort to address trade imbalances with China, the world's second-largest economy. Washington is wary of repeating the supply chain disruptions that occurred when China tightened export controls on rare earths last year. Chinese technology firms have been aggressively marketing humanoid robots to businesses and the public, outpacing U.S. rivals like Tesla and Boston Dynamics. The FCC's decision underscores a growing push to secure critical technologies from foreign influence. As the U.S. tightens restrictions, the global robotics landscape is likely to see further fragmentation, with implications for innovation, security, and international trade.