The Trump administration has announced new restrictions on imports of Chinese humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and connected power inverters, citing national security concerns and the need to protect the United States’ artificial intelligence supply chain.
The measures, introduced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), took effect immediately upon publication.
According to the FCC, the restrictions apply to new models of Chinese humanoid and quadruped robots, as well as connected power inverters used to link renewable energy sources, batteries, power grids, and data center equipment. The move aims to reduce potential risks related to supply chain disruption, data theft, cyberattacks, and critical infrastructure security while encouraging more manufacturing within the U.S.
In a statement, the FCC said, “These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure.” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr added, “The FCC will continue to do our part to secure America’s critical supply chains.”
The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded by urging the U.S. to listen to businesses in both countries and stop targeting Chinese companies with sanctions. It also stated that China would “take all necessary measures in response to any action that causes material harm to its interests.”
The FCC is expected to exempt many non-Chinese suppliers from the restrictions, similar to previous actions involving foreign drones and routers. While the current ban only applies to new robot and inverter models, the FCC has the authority to revoke approvals for products already authorized for sale in the U.S.
The new measures are expected to impact Unitree, a Chinese humanoid robot manufacturer that holds nearly 20% of the global market, according to Counterpoint Research. Unitree was recently added to the Pentagon’s list of alleged Chinese military-backed companies. The company has also partnered with Nvidia to use its Blackwell AI chips in humanoid robots. Nvidia has stated that data collected by these robots remains in the U.S. and that Unitree’s primary customers are American academic and research institutions.
The restrictions also cover Chinese-made power inverters, an area where companies such as Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei hold significant market share. U.S. officials have raised concerns over cybersecurity risks and the possibility of disruptions similar to the Volt Typhoon hacking campaign revealed in 2023.
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