The US Federal Communications Commission added imported mobile robots — humanoids, four-legged machines and warehouse transport robots — plus connected power inverters to its restricted equipment list on 28 July 2026, citing security risks. Affected new products can no longer be authorised, imported, marketed or sold in the US, though companies may seek conditional approval. The rule took effect immediately and covers all countries, not only China; robots already licensed and in service are unaffected.
What changed
Imported humanoids, quadrupeds and mobile robots could be authorised and sold freely in the US.
What it unlocks
Domestic robot makers gain several years of protection from new foreign competitors, while importers can seek conditional approval or shift assembly to the US.
- China installed 295,000 robots in 2024
- 54% global share for China
- $9.4B global robotics VC last year
- 52% went to US-based firms
What you need to act on it
- conditional approval from US authorities for affected new products
- applies to new products only, not already-licensed robots in service
Sources