The Rise of Humanoid Robots: A National Imperative

In the coming decade, we could see humanoid robots in nearly every American home and workplace. They would be capable of hearing and seeing everything around them. But this brings up an important question: will these robots be American or Chinese? It’s crucial for the United States to come out ahead in the race for these technologies, not just for economic reasons but also for national security. The government is actively looking at how to meet this challenge, and this requires strong bipartisan support and quick action.

Robots represent a merge of AI and the physical world. The large, specialized robots of the past will soon be replaced by versatile humanoids capable of learning and executing nearly any task. The productivity and safety gains are potentially enormous.

Imagine a humanoid robot that can take care of elderly family members, prepare meals, or assist in complex surgeries. These machines could enter hazardous environments, like burning buildings or nuclear sites, and take on repetitive, dangerous jobs in manufacturing that currently put workers at risk. Goldman Sachs has projected that the market for humanoid robots could reach $38 billion by the year 2035. Countries and companies that take the lead in this technology will likely gain significant economic and geopolitical advantages.

This is a concerning reality.

China’s Drive in Humanoid Robotics

This Chinese New Year, videos circulated of humanoid robots performing coordinated dances and martial arts. It was impressive, yet unsettling. It served as a clear message: China has made humanoid robotics a priority and is investing billions to ensure that it leads in this arena. Recent reports indicate that around 90% of humanoid robots are now made in China.

But this isn’t just a commercial issue for the U.S.; it represents a potential national security crisis unfolding slowly.

Consider what it would mean for a network of Chinese-produced robots to be installed in American homes, hospitals, factories, and government buildings. These machines could not only observe and listen but also connect to the cloud, receiving updates that might change their functionality or gather sensitive information. While we’re aware of the risks from technology, humanoid robots pose a particular danger as they offer a more intimate form of surveillance. Your smartphone might track your location, but a humanoid robot could understand your home life, family dynamics, and personal secrets.

Alarming Dual-Use Capabilities

China’s military-civil fusion policies add to the concerns. The very robots that might do household chores could easily be repurposed for military logistics or reconnaissance tasks. This means that a civilian army of Chinese robots could become a tool for the state.

The U.S. has successfully navigated similar challenges in the past; however, those successes were the result of strategic planning, coordinated investments, and a clear policy focus. We need to tackle this challenge in the same way.

Consider the situation with commercial drones. Ten years ago, the U.S. allowed its market to be taken over by China without a proper industrial response. Today, Chinese manufacturers dominate the drone market, leaving U.S. businesses and even parts of the military dependent on Chinese technology. We’re still working to untangle these dependencies—a mistake we can’t afford to repeat with humanoid robots.

The current administration recognizes the significance of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, launching a national strategy that brings together government resources and the private sector in pursuit of technology priorities. The government is currently formulating a national strategy for robotics, which needs to be comprehensive and ambitious. Key elements should include clear goals for global leadership, active funding for federal research and procurement, protection of the supply chain for essential robot components, and strict security measures to fend off foreign threats.

Legislative Action Needed

Congress has a role to play, too. Senators Schumer and Cotton have proposed the American Security Robotics Act, aimed at prohibiting the U.S. government from buying or using most humanoid robots made by Chinese companies. This bipartisan effort highlights the gravity of the situation. The proposed legislation is a promising first step, and Congress must approach this fast-growing industry with care. While it’s essential to keep the nation safe from advanced robotic systems, we must also acknowledge that some critical robot components are not yet produced in the U.S. A sudden ban could inadvertently harm American manufacturers.

The opportunity to take action is now, but it won’t last long. The Lunar New Year display was just a glimpse into what’s possible. The country that dominates humanoid robotics will significantly influence the physical world, just as the leaders in semiconductor technology have shaped the digital realm. Ideally, that should be the United States.

The machines are coming; the only question is whose machines they will be.