Washington, July 29: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a significant decision to prohibit the entry of advanced foreign-made robots and connected power inverters into the American market. This move is in response to potential threats related to cybersecurity, surveillance, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
The FCC has added these categories to its “covered list.” This decision follows a review by an inter-agency group formed by the White House. The group concluded that these products pose unacceptable risks to national security and the safety of American citizens.
The ban will apply to new models of mobile robots, including humanoid and quadruped robots. Additionally, foreign-made connected power inverters will also fall under this restriction. Typically, any electronic device imported, sold, or launched in the U.S. requires FCC approval.
However, this decision will not affect devices already purchased. Models that have previously received FCC approval can still be imported, sold, and made available by retailers. Furthermore, purchases made by federal government agencies will be exempt from this ban.
The national security assessment indicates that the networked capabilities of advanced robots could open pathways for cyberattacks and physical manipulation of their operations.
The report states, “Advanced robots collect vast amounts of data. This data could be exploited by malicious entities for monitoring American citizens, enhancing the capabilities of foreign intelligence agencies, or remotely controlling robots.”
John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China and a Republican Congressman, welcomed this decision. He emphasized that Congress should make this policy a permanent law.
Moolenaar stated, “The FCC’s action will protect our nation’s security and strengthen the American robotics industry.” He also urged Congress to quickly pass the bipartisan GUARD Act introduced this year, ensuring that future administrations cannot easily alter this policy.
He specifically expressed concerns about robots manufactured in China. He argued that as robots become integral to American homes and workplaces, those with potential “backdoors” that could transmit sensitive data to the Chinese Communist Party should be barred from entering the U.S.
The inter-agency report also raised serious concerns regarding foreign-made power inverters. According to the report, through remote connectivity, foreign companies could disable these devices, extract data, or grant access to foreign government agencies. As the use of inverter-based energy resources increases in the U.S., such vulnerabilities could also impact the country’s power grid.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the commission is continuously working with national security agencies to ensure the protection of America’s critical supply chain.
He remarked, “Under President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will continue to fulfill its responsibility to secure America’s critical supply chain. Today’s decision is a crucial step taken in collaboration with our national security agencies.”
In recent months, the FCC has also implemented similar stringent measures regarding unmanned aerial systems, their critical components, and consumer routers.
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