US Blocks Foreign Robots

The United States government has initiated a new import prohibition targeting "advanced robotic devices" and power inverters produced in foreign nations, a development initially reported by Reuters. In an announcement released on Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) detailed that this ban encompasses "mobile" robots, specifically mentioning humanoid and quadruped models, though its scope extends beyond merely walking robots.

While the FCC asserts that this measure is not directed at any particular country, it is poised to significantly impact China. This comes as China intensifies its efforts in humanoid robot production, some of which have gained viral attention through videos depicting them dancing, engaging in MMA-style combat, and even appearing on television talent shows. Concurrently, within the US, Tesla has ceased production of its Model S and Model X vehicles to allocate resources for the manufacturing of its Optimus humanoid robot.

Furthermore, China is home to some of the world's leading power inverter manufacturers, including Sungrow and Huawei, the latter already being on a US blacklist. These inverters are crucial components in solar panel arrays and various other renewable energy systems. The FCC's rationale for this ban, as stated in its announcement, is to mitigate "unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons."

According to a FAQ page published by the FCC, an "advanced robotic device" is defined as a machine capable of "locomotion, obstacle avoidance, navigation, or movement on the ground." It must also incorporate a sensor to perceive its surroundings, feature a chip for network connectivity, and weigh more than 4.4 pounds, a figure that includes its docking station if applicable.

This comprehensive definition implies that even future robot vacuums would automatically fall under the ban unless a waiver is secured. The FCC's restrictions do not appear to be confined to robots with legs. Indeed, the National Security Determination underpinning the FCC's action explicitly references The Verge's reporting on the documented security vulnerabilities of DJI’s Romo robovac.

Much like previous US government bans on foreign-made routers, companies wishing to introduce new products into the US market can apply for a waiver. However, the waiver application process currently lacks any requirements for applicants to demonstrate improved security measures for these robots or inverters. Importantly, existing products already present in the US are exempt from this ban, allowing individuals and companies to continue utilizing their current robots and inverters.

As observed in earlier instances, the US government's primary concern regarding waivers appears to be the origin of the device's design and manufacturing. Applicants are required to submit a detailed strategy outlining their plans to commence manufacturing these products within the United States. Sources close to Reuters indicate that the FCC is "expected to exempt many non-Chinese suppliers from the restrictions."

The FCC has stated that all banned robots and power inverters will continue to receive security and compatibility updates until January 1st, 2029, thanks to an additional waiver. However, the agency's explanation of how these updates function may be misleading, as companies are not currently mandated to inform the FCC when they deploy security updates to their devices.