FCC bars new Chinese humanoid robots and power inverters from US market
The US Federal Communications Commission has blocked authorization of new Chinese-made humanoid robots and connected power inverters, citing national-security risks tied to data collection and remote control.
The US Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, barred new Chinese-made humanoid robots and connected power inverters from entering the US market, saying the technologies pose unacceptable national-security risks.
The restriction covers what the agency calls advanced robotic devices, including humanoid machines and animal-like quadrupeds. It also applies to connected inverters used to link renewable-energy systems, batteries and data-centre equipment to power grids.
According to the FCC determination reported by The Guardian, officials warned that data collected by advanced robots could be used for surveillance, foreign intelligence or remote commandeering. The restrictions apply to models that have not yet received authorization, although the commission also has authority to revisit approvals already granted.
China’s embassy in Washington rejected the US rationale and urged the administration to stop targeting Chinese companies, while warning that Beijing could respond to measures that harm its interests.
The decision extends Washington’s effort to limit Chinese technology in sectors it considers strategically important. China is a major producer of power inverters, while AI-enabled robots are being developed for industrial and consumer use.
