The Trump administration on Tuesday announced a ban on the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots into the United States, saying the devices pose “unacceptable risks” to the country’s national security.
The ban covers advanced robots, including humanoid and four-legged machines, many of which are manufactured in China. China is one of the United States’ main competitors in the development of robotics and artificial intelligence.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also banned the import of power inverters, which are commonly used in data centers and solar power systems. The agency said the devices could also pose a risk to the U.S. economy.
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing opposes what it described as the United States’ practice of politicizing trade issues and imposing sanctions based on “groundless pretexts.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is taking steps to protect America’s critical supply chains.
The FCC has added the products to its Covered List, which includes goods and services considered a threat to U.S. national security.
The ban applies only to new foreign-made advanced robots and power inverters. Products previously authorized by the FCC can still be imported and sold.
The FCC said foreign-made power inverters could allow overseas companies to shut down systems, steal data, enable remote access, conduct surveillance or be exploited through cyberattacks.
The agency also warned that robots made outside the United States could be used by malicious actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services or remotely commandeer the machines.
The Chinese Embassy said Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect its interests if they were harmed. It also called on countries to work together to develop AI for positive purposes and urged the United States to stop what it described as unfair accusations against Chinese companies and the use of sanctions.
The BBC said it had contacted major Chinese robotics companies Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot for comment.
Chinese exports have come under increasing scrutiny as the Trump administration continues its efforts to address trade imbalances with China, the world’s second-largest economy.
Although China is the world’s largest exporter of electric vehicles, its access to the U.S. market has been limited by high tariffs.
Washington has also restricted the sale of advanced U.S. semiconductors to China in an effort to protect national security, slow China’s military modernization and maintain the United States’ lead in artificial intelligence.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also warned that Chinese AI companies could face sanctions over allegations that they stole American intellectual property.
China has rejected those allegations, saying its progress in AI is the result of its own research, hard work and international cooperation.
The United States is also seeking to avoid another supply chain disruption after China tightened export controls on rare earth minerals last year, which are essential for electronics manufacturing.
Chinese technology companies have made rapid progress in developing humanoid robots for use in factories, homes and other settings. They have also moved quickly to market their robots to businesses and consumers, competing with U.S. companies such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics.
