The regulatory action reflects ongoing tensions regarding technology supply chains, as Beijing currently dominates the global market for these emerging systems. Officials expressed concern that hardware could be leveraged by foreign governments to compromise domestic power grids or conduct espionage. While approximately 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped globally in 2025, the restriction specifically targets the two largest Chinese producers that account for the bulk of that volume.
In section Startups & Technology
US Bans Foreign Humanoids and Solar Inverters Over Security Fears
The Federal Communications Commission has prohibited the import of foreign-made humanoid robots, robotic dogs, and power inverters, citing the potential for remote surveillance and cyberattacks. While the ban primarily targets Chinese manufacturing, officials claim the move is necessary to mitigate risks to national critical infrastructure and personal data privacy.
Solar power inverters, essential for connecting renewable energy to the wider grid, face similar scrutiny. The FCC clarified that the directive does not apply to existing residential installations, focusing instead on future imports. Beijing has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its commercial interests, setting a strained tone ahead of the anticipated state visit by President Xi Jinping to Washington in September. This policy follows a string of previous crackdowns on foreign routers and surveillance equipment linked to companies like Hikvision and Dahua.
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