China Tech Curbs: US To Ban Imports Of Chinese Robots, Power Inverters Over Security Risks
China Tech Curbs: US To Ban Imports Of Chinese Robots, Power Inverters Over Security Risks Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 02:58 IST US
China Tech Curbs: US To Ban Imports Of Chinese Robots, Power Inverters Over Security Risks Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 02:58 IST US Federal Communications Commission unveiled measures blocking imports of new Chinese humanoid robots, quadruped robots and connected power inverters. Dog-like and humanoid robots on display at the booth of Chinese technology companies in Geneva. (AFP file photo) The Trump administration has announced new restrictions targeting imports of Chinese robots and power inverters, citing national security concerns and aiming to protect the US artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain. According to a Reuters report, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday unveiled measures blocking imports of new Chinese humanoid robots, quadruped robots and connected power inverters. US flags AI, cybersecurity risks The FCC said Chinese-made devices could create vulnerabilities that may threaten US economic and national security.
It said the restrictions were aimed at preventing potential disruptions, data theft and cyberattacks targeting key industries. “These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure," the FCC said. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency would continue efforts to secure America’s critical supply chains. The restrictions apply to robot and inverter models that have not yet entered the US market. However, the FCC also has the authority to review and potentially revoke approvals for models already authorised for sale. Humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence are expected to see wider use in industrial and consumer sectors, while power inverters are considered essential for connecting renewable energy sources and batteries to electricity grids and data centres.
Chinese robotics firms in focus Reuters reported that the move is expected to affect Chinese robotics companies such as Unitree, one of the world’s leading humanoid robot makers. The company has been listed by the Pentagon among alleged Chinese military-linked firms, though Unitree has denied such concerns. US officials have raised fears that advanced robots could collect sensitive data, support foreign intelligence operations or be remotely controlled for harmful purposes. China is also the world’s largest producer of power inverters, with companies such as Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei holding major market positions. US officials have previously expressed concerns that Chinese-made equipment could be used for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. (With inputs from Reuters) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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