US blocks new imports of humanoid, quadruped robots from abroad
Why it matters: The FCC tied the move to cybersecurity and supply-chain risks, escalating tech tensions with China before a planned Trump-Xi meeting in September.
The Federal Communications Commission barred new imports of foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots, citing national security, cybersecurity and supply-chain concerns in a move aimed largely at China. The ban also covers new imports of power inverters. Beijing condemned the action as protectionism and said it would take steps to protect Chinese companies. China holds about 85% of the global humanoid robot market, according to the AP report carried by PBS NewsHour, and Chinese firms Unitree and AGIBOT shipped more than 5,000 robots each in 2025. The restrictions add to a widening stack of US curbs on Chinese technology ahead of a planned September meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.