U.S. Blocks Imports of Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots, Robot Dogs and Power Inverters

The Trump administration is banning imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs and power inverters, arguing that the products pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the measure on Tuesday, saying overseas-made devices could potentially be used by foreign governments for surveillance, remote control or cyberattacks. While the policy applies to foreign-made products, it is expected to have its greatest impact on Chinese manufacturers, which currently dominate several of these markets. The U.S. government also has legal authority to impose similar requirements on companies.

The FCC said exemptions may be granted if the government determines that a specific device does not present a national security risk.

U.S. officials have long accused China of conducting cyberattacks against American companies to obtain sensitive information and of preparing cyber capabilities that could be used in future military conflicts, including a possible invasion of Taiwan. Washington has also argued that Chinese ownership of technology companies could allow Beijing to require businesses to collect intelligence or remotely interfere with products used in the United States.

Humanoid robots remain an emerging technology and are not yet widely deployed. Around 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped globally in 2025, with China’s two largest manufacturers accounting for most of those deliveries.

Power inverters, by contrast, are widely used across the United States to connect residential solar panels and other renewable energy systems to the electrical grid. The FCC said the new restrictions apply only to future imports and do not affect devices already installed in homes or commercial facilities.

The latest restrictions add to a series of U.S. actions targeting Chinese technology in recent years. Those measures have included legislation affecting TikTok's U.S. operations, restrictions on certain foreign-made consumer routers and bans involving Chinese surveillance equipment manufacturers Hikvision and Dahua, which U.S. officials have linked to security concerns and human rights issues.

China criticised the decision, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson telling the Associated Press that Beijing would take “all measures necessary” to protect the interests of Chinese businesses.

The announcement comes ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump during a planned state visit to Washington, D.C., in September.