▲ Chinese-made robots
The United States has banned the import of foreign-made robots to protect national security and critical infrastructure.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on the 28th (local time) a complete ban on the import of new models of humanoid and quadrupedal (four-legged) robots.
Inverter devices that allow renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to power grid and data center equipment were also included in the import ban.
Regarding the robot import ban, the FCC stated, "Data collected by advanced robotic devices could be exploited by malicious actors to surveil Americans, bolster foreign intelligence capabilities, and remotely hijack robots."
It also pointed out that connected power inverters could allow foreign companies to arbitrarily shut down inverters linked to power grids and data centers, collect and leak data, and be exploited for cyberattacks.
In addition to security-related reasons, the move appears intended to protect the supply chain of the domestic AI industry.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said, "Under President Donald Trump's leadership, the FCC is playing its part to protect America's critical supply chains," adding, "Through this action, the FCC is working closely with national security agencies to do just that."
While the FCC's import ban applies to all imported products regardless of origin, Reuters assessed that the measure is primarily aimed at China.
Reuters also analyzed that the move includes the intent to pressure overseas robot manufacturing facilities to relocate to the U.S.
However, this import ban does not affect consumers' use of previously purchased devices or the sale of models approved in the past.
Furthermore, federal government purchases and usage are unaffected by this measure, and exceptions are granted if manufacturers receive approval from the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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