US Bans Imports of Chinese Robots, Citing Cybersecurity Risks

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has imposed a complete ban on the new import of humanoid and quadruped robots weighing over 2 kilograms.

While the measure targets foreign-made robots in general, analysts view it as a move effectively aimed at China.

Citing cybersecurity risks, the FCC stated that advanced robots equipped with network capabilities could be misused for surveillance or remote control.

Products already on sale are exempt from the ban, but the FCC holds the authority to revoke previously granted approvals.

Behind this measure lies China's overwhelming market share.

Chinese humanoid robots account for approximately 85% of the global market. In particular, Unitree, a leading company with a 20% market share, was recently added to the U.S. Department of Defense's list of Chinese military-linked companies, raising discussions about potential additional sanctions.

As the Chinese government immediately protested, observers predict the move will become a new source of tension between the two countries ahead of the U.S.-China summit scheduled for September.

Reported by Sim Yeong-gu | Video by Lee Ki-eun | Design by Ahn Jun-seok | Assistance by Kim Chae-hyun | Produced by Intellectual Content IP Team
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.