USA Bans New Chinese Humanoid Robots Amid National‑Security Concerns

Sun Sep 06 2026 05:52:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US administration blocks import of new foreign‑made humanoid robots citing security risks. China calls the move politicised and vows counter‑action.

The Trump Administration announced on Tuesday a ban on new foreign‑made humanoid and quadruped robots entering the United States, citing unacceptable national security risks. The restriction also covers power inverters used in data centres and solar panels, fearful of potential misuse by overseas actors. Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr highlighted concerns that these devices could be exploited for data theft or remote intrusion, thereby benefiting foreign intelligence services. Beijing’s embassy in Washington rebuked the sanctions as a politicisation of trade, pledging necessary measures and urging international cooperation on AI for the good. The policy follows a broader US effort to curb Chinese supply chain influence while protecting critical technology sectors.

USA Bans New Chinese Humanoid Robots Amid National‑Security Concerns

On Tuesday, the Trump Administration announced a sweeping ban on the import of new foreign‑made advanced robotic devices—particularly humanoid and four‑legged robots—and power inverters. The move follows the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) addition of these items to its Covered List, a registry of goods deemed risky for American national security.

China accounts for more than half of the world’s humanoid robot production, and the United States has accused the country of threatening its technological edge by courting fifth‑generation artificial intelligence platforms. By restricting imports, Washington aims to secure critical supply chains and prevent the potential for remote commandeering or cyber‑attacks that could aid foreign intelligence services.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the agency was “doing its part to secure America’s critical supply chains.” The Agency named concerns that foreign‑made inverters could be turned off, steal data, or facilitate remote surveillance by “foreign government actors.” Meanwhile, the ban does not curb the sale of pre‑approved models already in circulation.

China’s embassy in Washington condemned the sanctions, alleging the administration’s framing of trade as a national‑security issue is “politicised” and “ground‑less.” The embassy warned Beijing would take “all necessary measures” in response and urged the United States to abandon its hegemonic mindset. It called for international cooperation on AI “for the positive and for good.”

The United States is also tightening its grip on the sale of cutting‑edge semiconductor technology to China and has warned that Chinese AI firms could face sanctions over intellectual‑property theft allegations. The new ban comes amid broader efforts to limit China’s influence in critical sectors such as rare earths, electric vehicles, and robot manufacturing.

The move has implications for the rapidly expanding Chinese robotics industry, which has already begun marketing humanoid units for factories, homes, and public services. US rivals such as Elon Musk’s Tesla and Boston Dynamics are also racing to bring advanced robotics to market.