The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has announced a prohibition on the importation of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters due to national security concerns, particularly targeting China. In response, Beijing swiftly criticized the U.S. for adopting protectionist measures.
These actions are anticipated to strain relations with China in advance of an upcoming visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China currently dominates the global humanoid robot market, holding an estimated market share of approximately 85 percent.
The FCC’s restrictions also encompass new imports of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency argued that the importation of sophisticated robots poses risks related to cybersecurity and other national security vulnerabilities. Moreover, the dependence on foreign production of such equipment exposes U.S. supply chains to potential disruptions.
Additionally, the ban on power inverters, devices used to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which are utilized in renewable energy systems, data centers, and household appliances, could have far-reaching consequences. FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated on Tuesday that the objective of these measures is to “safeguard America’s critical supply chains,” specifying that the bans are applicable to “new iterations” of these imports.
The FCC’s recent prohibitions follow a series of U.S. restrictions on Chinese imports, including drones, as well as controls on the export of advanced U.S. technology to China. The U.S. is also considering regulations regarding the utilization of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models at a time when Chinese AI technology is rapidly advancing.
China has been expanding its use of robots, supported by favorable technology policies. Analysts at Morgan Stanley predict that China’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion US by 2030. While restricting Chinese manufacturers’ access to the U.S. market could shield American developers from potential price competition, it is unlikely to significantly impede China’s overall humanoid development, given its robust domestic manufacturing capabilities and export opportunities.
Regarding the impact of the power inverter restrictions, analyst Cheng Wang from Morningstar suggested that the pressure on U.S. markets is expected to be minimal. The ban does not seem to affect the continued use of existing devices or the sale of previously approved models by Chinese companies in the U.S.
In response to the U.S. action, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized Washington for stretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese firms. China vowed to take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses. The ministry underscored that protectionist policies do not enhance U.S. competitiveness and could harm the interests of American companies and consumers.
The new bans could potentially disrupt collaborations between U.S. and Chinese tech companies, according to Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at Omdia. For instance, Nvidia recently unveiled a humanoid robot reference design that incorporates the humanoid chassis of China’s Unitree. The Pentagon has included Unitree and other prominent Chinese tech companies on a list of firms purportedly linked to or aiding the Chinese military, a claim that Beijing has refuted.
