The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has announced a prohibition on the importation of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters due to national security concerns, specifically targeting China. In response, Beijing has criticized the U.S. for engaging in protectionist practices. These restrictions are expected to strain relations with China leading up to a scheduled meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China currently dominates the global market for humanoid robots, holding approximately 85% market share.
The FCC’s ban extends to new imports of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency has highlighted cybersecurity and other national security risks associated with advanced robot imports. The reliance on offshore production for such equipment also exposes U.S. supply chains to potential disruptions.
Additionally, the ban on power inverters, essential for converting direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity in renewable energy systems, data centers, and household appliances, could have far-reaching implications. FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized that these measures aim to safeguard America’s critical supply chains and apply to newly developed imports.
These restrictions from the FCC come amidst a series of U.S. limitations on Chinese imports, including drones, and controls on the export of advanced U.S. technology to China. There is also contemplation of regulating the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models as Chinese AI technology gains momentum.
As China continues to expand its robot utilization, with supportive government policies, analysts project the country’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion US by 2030. Chinese manufacturers have been rapidly increasing production efficiency and reducing costs, outpacing many international competitors. While restricting their access to the U.S. may protect American developers from price competition, it is unlikely to significantly impede China’s overall humanoid development given its robust domestic manufacturing base and opportunities in other export markets.
Regarding the impact on power inverter restrictions, Morningstar analyst Cheng Wang suggests the pressure on U.S. markets should be minimal, as the ban does not affect existing devices or previously approved models sold by Chinese companies in the U.S.
In response to the U.S. actions, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move, alleging the U.S. is stretching national security concerns to suppress Chinese enterprises. China vows to take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights of its businesses. The ministry expressed that protectionist measures do not enhance U.S. competitiveness and will adversely affect U.S. companies and consumers.
Moreover, the new bans could potentially disrupt collaborations between U.S. and Chinese technology firms, according to Omdia’s chief analyst Lian Jye Su. For instance, Nvidia recently unveiled a humanoid robot reference design utilizing China’s Unitree humanoid chassis. The Pentagon has identified Unitree and other major Chinese tech companies as having ties to the Chinese military, a claim Beijing refutes.