The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has decided to prohibit the importation of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters due to national security concerns, specifically targeting China. Beijing swiftly criticized the U.S. for engaging in protectionist measures. These actions are expected to strain relations with Beijing just before Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s scheduled visit to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China currently holds a dominant position in the global market for humanoid robots, boasting an estimated market share of approximately 85%.
The FCC’s import ban also encompasses new arrivals of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency expressed concerns about cybersecurity threats and other national security issues posed by the introduction of advanced robots. Offshore production of such equipment exposes U.S. supply chains to potential disruptions.
The restriction on power inverters, devices used to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, could have significant implications. FCC chair Brendan Carr stated on Tuesday that these measures are intended to safeguard America’s critical supply chains, applying to “new versions” of such imports.
The FCC’s bans come amid a series of U.S. restrictions on Chinese product imports, including drones, as well as limits on the export of U.S. advanced technology to China. There are also discussions about controlling the usage of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, as Chinese AI technology is rapidly advancing.
China has been actively expanding its use of robots, supported by favorable technology policies. Analysts at Morgan Stanley predict that China’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion US by 2030. While the restrictions may protect U.S. developers from potential price competition and secure the U.S. market, they are unlikely to significantly impede China’s overall humanoid development due to its robust domestic manufacturing base and opportunities in other export markets.
On the impact of the power inverter restrictions, Morningstar analyst Cheng Wang suggested that the pressure on U.S. markets should be minimal. The ban does not seem to affect the continued use of existing devices or the sale of models previously approved by the United States.
China responded to the U.S. actions, accusing Washington of stretching the national security concept to suppress Chinese companies. The Chinese Foreign Ministry vowed to take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses. The ministry criticized protectionism, stating that it would not enhance U.S. competitiveness and would only harm U.S. companies and consumers.
The new bans may also disrupt collaborations between U.S. and Chinese tech firms, as highlighted by Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at Omdia. For instance, Nvidia recently unveiled a humanoid robot design that utilizes the humanoid chassis of China’s Unitree. Additionally, the Pentagon included Unitree and other major Chinese tech companies on a list of firms allegedly associated with or supporting the Chinese military, a claim rejected by Beijing.