US bans foreign humanoid robots, robot dogs, and solar inverters over security fears
Original: US government bans new foreign-made humanoids, robot dogs, and solar inverters, citing risks to national security
Why This Matters
The ban signals escalating U.S.-China tech decoupling across robotics, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors.
The FCC announced a ban on Tuesday on new imports of foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs, and power inverters, citing unacceptable national security risks. The move primarily targets Chinese manufacturers, which hold the majority of global market share in these categories.
The Trump administration has directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ban the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs, and solar power inverters, citing national security risks. The FCC stated that such devices could be remotely controlled, used for surveillance by foreign governments, or exploited in cyberattacks.
The ban primarily targets China, which dominates global market share in all three product categories. Approximately 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped worldwide in 2025, with China's two largest robot makers accounting for the majority of those shipments. Power inverters are widely used in U.S. households to connect solar and renewable energy systems to the power grid.
Existing devices already installed in U.S. homes and facilities are not affected. Exceptions may be granted if a device is determined not to pose a national security risk.
The FCC noted that the U.S. has long accused China of hacking U.S. businesses and preparing cyberattacks linked to potential military objectives, including a possible invasion of Taiwan. China's Foreign Ministry responded that Beijing will use "all measures necessary" to protect Chinese businesses. Chinese Premier Xi Jinping is expected to meet President Trump in Washington, D.C. during a planned state visit in September.
The ban follows similar actions, including restrictions on TikTok, foreign-made consumer routers, and Chinese surveillance equipment makers Hikvision and Dahua.