US Is Banning Foreign Robots—Even Roombas

The U.S. government earlier this week announced an import ban on "advanced robotic devices" from foreign countries, with its sights set specifically on China. But it's not just humanoids the government wants to stop from entering the United States---the ban extends to robot vacuum cleaners like Roombas too.

The Federal Communications Commission has added foreign-made advanced robotic devices, including humanoid and quadruped robots, and connected power inverters to its Covered List after U.S. national security agencies determined the products pose unacceptable security risks.

In a press release on Tuesday, the FCC said the move follows findings by a White House-convened interagency group that concluded the products could create supply chain weaknesses and cybersecurity risks affecting critical infrastructure and public safety.

"I welcome these Executive Branch national security determinations, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign-produced advanced robotics and power inverters to the FCC's Covered List," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement. "Following President Trump's leadership, the FCC will continue to do our part to secure America's critical supply chains and, with today's action, the FCC is acting in lock step with our national security agencies to do just that."

The Covered list identifies communications equipment the U.S. government considers a threat to national security. Products on the list generally cannot receive new FCC equipment authorization, which most electronic devices need before they can be imported, marketed, or sold in the United States.

It turns out, though, that the ban covers more than just the humanoids and quadrupeds the FCC initially mentioned in its announcement. The regulator confirmed to The Verge that the ban includes a broad range of devices, essentially outlawing any new robotic device that weighs for than 4.4 pounds, connects to the internet, and can view its environment. That means the banned list includes robot vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, delivery robots, and so on.

The agencies said internet-connected robots could collect sensitive data, be used to monitor Americans, or potentially be taken over remotely. They also warned that connected power inverters---which convert electricity between different forms for use on the power grid---could be exploited to disrupt parts of the grid, steal data, or give attackers unauthorized access to critical systems.

The restrictions apply only to future device models seeking FCC approval. They do not affect products that have already been authorized, and consumers can continue using devices they already own. Retailers may also continue selling previously approved models.

The action also does not affect purchases or use by federal agencies.

According to the FCC, manufacturers can still seek FCC authorization if they first receive Conditional Approval from the Department of Defense or, for power inverters, the Department of Homeland Security after those agencies determine the products do not pose unacceptable national security risks.

The FCC's action comes as China races to become a global leader in humanoid robotics.

Chinese companies including Alibaba and Unitree have accelerated development over the past year, with Alibaba unveiling its Qwen-Robot AI software platform in June and Unitree pushing low-cost humanoid robots into universities, startups, and research labs around the world.

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