US Bans New Chinese Humanoid Robots and Robot Dogs Over Security Risks

The Trump administration has banned the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and power inverters, citing critical national security vulnerabilities. Executed through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the move targets the potential for remote commandeering, cyberattacks, and unauthorized surveillance.

Under the new directive, these devices are added to the FCC's "Covered List," which identifies equipment and services that pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. The ban applies specifically to new models entering the market; existing models that previously received FCC authorization remain unaffected. In addition to robotics, the ban extends to power inverters used in solar panels and data centers. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated the action is necessary "to secure America's critical supply chains."

A Widening Tech Divide

This restriction arrives as China maintains a commanding lead in the robotics sector. In 2025, Chinese manufacturers accounted for approximately 85% to 90% of global humanoid robot shipments. While U.S. competitors like Tesla and Figure AI shipped roughly 150 units each that year, Chinese firms Unitree and AGIBOT dominated the landscape, shipping approximately 5,500 and 5,168 units respectively. This industrial gap is expected to persist, with Morgan Stanley analysts forecasting that China's humanoid market could reach $15 billion by 2030.

Strategic and Economic Implications

By blocking new imports, the U.S. is attempting to shield domestic developers from aggressive Chinese scaling and price competition while protecting critical infrastructure from foreign interference. However, the move further escalates the "tech cold war," potentially disrupting industry collaborations, such as Nvidia's use of Unitree chassis for reference designs. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has pushed back against the move, with spokesperson Mao Ning asserting that "protectionism does not make the U.S. more competitive" and will ultimately harm American consumers and companies.

The Path Forward

This action follows a pattern of escalating restrictions on Chinese technology, including bans on TikTok and Hikvision surveillance equipment. The timing is particularly sensitive, as it precedes a planned state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington in September. Observers will be watching whether this ban triggers retaliatory measures from Beijing or if it serves as a bargaining chip in upcoming diplomatic negotiations.