U.S. Moves to Ban Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots and Power Inverters

The United States is moving to prohibit foreign-made humanoid and other advanced robots, with the FCC stating that these technologies could pose national security risks. The agency has also identified foreign-manufactured power inverters as potential security threats, expanding its efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive technologies from external influence.

In a recent press release, the FCC said that U.S. national security agencies have identified significant risks associated with certain foreign-made technologies. According to the agencies, these devices could introduce supply chain vulnerabilities, threaten cybersecurity, and jeopardize critical infrastructure, potentially impacting both the nation's economic stability and national security.

Figure 1. Security Concerns Drive U.S. Ban on Foreign Tech Devices.

Similar to the earlier restrictions on foreign-made routers, the U.S. government says the new bans align with the White House's 2025 national security strategy, which promotes bringing critical technology manufacturing back to the United States. However, unlike the stricter router restrictions, the new rules for humanoid robots and power inverters rely on the "Buy American" standard, allowing products assembled in the U.S. to include certain foreign-made components while still qualifying as American-made. Figure 1 shows Security Concerns Drive U.S. Ban on Foreign Tech Devices.

The FCC says the ban applies to advanced robotic systems, including humanoid and quadruped robots, while providing exemptions for devices used by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. According to the agency, as robots become increasingly important for critical infrastructure, manufacturing, and national defense, maintaining a secure domestic supply chain is essential. The FCC argues that connected robotic systems could be vulnerable to cyberattacks that compromise both their data and physical operations, making reliance on foreign-made advanced robots an unacceptable national security and supply chain risk.

The FCC's new restrictions also target network-connected power inverters that use Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth technology, citing concerns that cyberattacks or supply chain disruptions could threaten the U.S. electricity grid, economic stability, and national security. However, implementing the ban may be challenging in the near term because the broad definition of covered devices could potentially include products such as backup battery systems with AC outlets and companion apps, although the FCC has not specifically stated whether those devices will be exempt.

The FCC referenced a Department of Energy assessment highlighting that many inverter components are largely manufactured overseas, making it difficult to address potential security concerns without expanding domestic production [1]. However, companies may seek conditional approval to continue selling their devices in the US, similar to the process used for certain robotic technologies.

References:

1. https://www.engadget.com/2225693/the-us-is-banning-foreign-made-humanoid-robots-and-power-inverters/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2026), U.S. Moves to Ban Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots and Power Inverters, pp.393.