FCC Blocks New Foreign-Made Humanoid and Quadruped Robots on National Security Grounds

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has barred the authorization of new foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots, citing cybersecurity, supply-chain and broader national security concerns. The decision is expected to affect Chinese manufacturers most heavily, as China accounts for an estimated 85% of the global humanoid-robot market.

The FCC also added power inverters to its restrictions. These devices convert direct current into alternating current and are used in renewable-energy installations, data centers and consumer appliances. The agency said dependence on overseas production could expose U.S. infrastructure and supply chains to disruption or manipulation.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr described the action as an effort to protect critical American supply chains. The restrictions apply to new versions of covered products and do not appear to prohibit continued operation of devices already approved or sold in the United States.

China expected to bear the brunt

The measures add to a growing list of U.S. controls involving Chinese technology, including restrictions on drones and advanced semiconductor exports. They come as Washington and Beijing prepare for a planned September meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the decision as protectionism, arguing that Washington is using national security as a pretext to restrict Chinese businesses. Spokesperson Mao Ning said the policy could ultimately harm U.S. companies and consumers. Beijing said it would take steps to defend the interests of Chinese firms.

Industry analysts said the restrictions could reduce Chinese manufacturers’ access to the U.S. market without significantly slowing China’s overall robotics development. Of approximately 15,000 humanoid robots shipped worldwide in 2025, Chinese companies Unitree and AGIBOT each accounted for more than 5,000 units, while leading U.S. developers shipped far fewer.

Potential effects on technology partnerships

The rules could also complicate cooperation between U.S. and Chinese technology companies. Nvidia recently disclosed a humanoid-robot reference design using a chassis from Unitree, a company the Pentagon has listed among Chinese firms alleged to have military ties. Beijing has rejected those allegations.

Analysts said the restrictions may limit future commercial opportunities and increase costs for some U.S. buyers, although the immediate impact on existing equipment and previously approved inverter models is expected to be limited.