Trump Administration Bans New Chinese Humanoid Robot Imports

The Trump administration has announced a ban on the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots into the United States, citing "unacceptable risks" to national security, Osmond Chia reported for BBC News.

Humanoid robots are displayed during a technology exhibition amid growing U.S.-China competition in robotics and AI. [Photo: Xiao Yiiju Xinhua]

Words

The ban applies to advanced robotic systems, including humanoid and four-legged robots. Many of these machines are manufactured in China, which is competing with the United States in the development of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also banned imports of certain power inverters—devices used in data centers and solar energy systems—which it said could pose risks to U.S. national security.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing has long opposed what it described as the U.S. "politicizing" trade issues and imposing sanctions based on "groundless pretexts."

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was doing its part "to secure America's critical supply chains."

The FCC added the affected products to its Covered List, a registry of communications equipment and services considered a threat to national security.