FCC Blocks Import of Foreign Robots and Power Inverters
The Federal Communications Commission has put a stop to the importation of certain foreign-made robots and power inverters, labeling them as risks to national security.
Specifically, the FCC has prohibited the entry of humanoid robots, quadrupedal robot dogs, and power inverters from outside the U.S. This latest move adds to the list of technologies deemed a potential risk, according to a fact sheet issued by the agency on Tuesday.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr expressed support for the executive branch’s national security measures, stating, “We welcome the executive branch’s national security decisions and are pleased that the FCC has added foreign-made advanced robots and power inverters to the FCC’s target list.”
“Under President Trump, the FCC aims to continue its efforts in securing America’s essential supply chains, and today’s action demonstrates our alignment with national security agencies,” Carr added.
It’s interesting to note that Chinese manufacturers are expected to dominate the global humanoid robot market, with projections suggesting that they will handle around 13,000 shipments by 2025. A report from research firm Omdia indicates that a single company, AgiBot, is slated to ship over 5,000 units, making up nearly 40% of the total.
As the backdrop to these discussions, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, according to CBS News.
In response to these restrictions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning remarked, “Protectionism does not enhance America’s competitiveness; it only detracts from the interests of American businesses and consumers.”
When the White House was contacted for a statement, they provided an FCC fact sheet rather than additional comments. The FCC also referred to the document when asked by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
According to the FCC, reliance on foreign robotic technology presents unacceptable vulnerabilities in the supply chain and cybersecurity. The agency highlighted concerns that these advanced devices could collect sensitive data, which could be misused by hostile entities to monitor American citizens or bolster foreign intelligence operations.
Both NVIDIA and AgiBot did not reply to requests for comments from DCNF.
Carr acknowledged that the FCC has included an exception for devices deemed to pose no significant threat based on findings from investigations by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Energy.
In a recent post, Carr noted the introduction of two additional categories to the FCC’s list of prohibited imports: advanced robotic equipment from foreign sources and overseas power inverters.
The administration’s national security resolution points out that remote connectivity in inverters raises vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign entities, potentially leading to cybersecurity threats or misuse of data.
Meanwhile, NVIDIA has been collaborating with Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, to design an open humanoid robot that utilizes a Unitree body and is powered by an Nvidia Jetson system for processing.
