US Bans Imports of New Chinese Humanoid Robots and Power Inverters

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the import of new Chinese-made humanoid robots, quadruped "robot dogs," and power inverters, citing national security and cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure. The restrictions took effect immediately but apply only to models not yet authorized for sale in the U.S., although the FCC retains the authority to revoke approvals for existing products.

According to the FCC, these devices could create supply-chain vulnerabilities and allow foreign actors to compromise or control critical systems. Power inverters are used to connect renewable energy sources and batteries to the electrical grid and data centers, while humanoid and quadruped robots are increasingly utilized in research facilities, warehouses, and factories. The ban is expected to impact companies such as Unitree—which the Pentagon alleges has links to the Chinese military—as well as power inverter suppliers Huawei and Sungrow.

China's embassy in Washington and its foreign ministry have condemned the move, accusing the U.S. of "smearing" Chinese companies and employing protectionism to suppress competition. Beijing stated it would take all necessary measures to respond to actions that cause material harm to its interests.

The restrictions come as China dominates the global humanoid robot market with an estimated 85% share. Data from Omdia indicates that in 2025, Chinese firms Unitree and AgiBot each shipped over 5,000 humanoid robots, while U.S. counterparts like Tesla and Figure AI shipped a few hundred or fewer. The move is seen as a potential flashpoint ahead of a planned September meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Outlets of different political leans frame the motivations behind the ban differently. Center-right coverage emphasizes that the restrictions may be a form of protectionism designed to shield U.S. developers from price competition. Center-leaning reports frame the action as a strategic effort to protect AI development and reshore key industrial sectors to the United States. Meanwhile, center-left reporting focuses on how these measures contribute to wider geopolitical tensions and the broader U.S. effort to reduce reliance on Chinese technology.