Trump Administration Bans New Chinese Humanoid Robots Over ‘Unacceptable Risks’

Mon Sep 14 2026 11:36:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US bans Chinese-made humanoid robots and power inverters citing national security concerns amid trade and tech tensions.

In 2026, the Trump administration announced a sweeping ban on imported foreign‑made advanced robots—including humanoids and four‑legged machines—alongside power inverters used in data centers, citing unacceptable risks to national security. The FCC highlighted that such devices could enable remote surveillance and cyberattacks by foreign actors, adding them to the Covered List. The move comes amid escalating trade frictions and sanctions against Chinese AI firms, while China asserts its AI progress stems from international collaboration. Chinese robot manufacturers and the embassy have been asked for comment.

Trump Administration Bans New Chinese Humanoid Robots

Row of Chinese humanoid robots — China is the world’s largest maker of humanoid robots.

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced a ban on new foreign‑made humanoid robot imports to the United States over “unacceptable risks” to the country’s national security.

The ban covers advanced robots—including humanoid and four‑legged machines—which are largely manufactured in China, a nation locked in a race with the U.S. to develop robotics and artificial intelligence.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also prohibited the import of power inverters, devices used in data centres and solar panels, because they could pose a risk to the U.S. economy.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was “doing its part to secure America’s critical supply chains.”

The BBC has reached out to the Chinese embassy in Washington and major Chinese robot makers Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot for statements.

The FCC added the items to its Covered List—a registry of goods deemed a risk to national security. The ban does not prevent sales of existing models that were previously approved.

The FCC cited concerns that foreign‑made inverters could allow overseas firms to disable them, steal data, facilitate remote access and surveillance by “foreign government actors” or be exploited through a cyberattack.

It added that foreign robots could enable “malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or remotely commandeer the robots.”

China’s exports have come under intense scrutiny by the U.S. as the Trump administration attempts to address trade imbalances with the world’s second‑largest economy.

Despite being the world’s largest exporter of electric vehicles, China has been effectively shut out of the American market by a 100 % tariff.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Chinese AI firms could face sanctions over allegations of stealing American intellectual property.

In response, the Chinese government said its AI development was “the result of its own dedication and effort as well as international cooperation.”

Chinese technology firms have rapidly developed humanoid robots for factories and homes and marketed them to businesses and the public ahead of U.S. rivals such as Elon Musk’s Tesla and Boston Dynamics.

Updated 6 minutes ago | 29 July 2026, 01:15 BST