New U.S. restrictions on Chinese robots lock Unitree out of American market
Humanoid robots have quietly become one of the sharpest edges in America’s technology rivalry with China. The Federal Communications Commission announced Tuesday a ban on new foreign-made humanoid robots, four-legged robotic machines, and connected power inverters — citing what officials called “unacceptable risks” to national security and critical infrastructure.
Key takeaways
- The FCC has added advanced robotic devices and connected power inverters to its Covered List, barring new foreign-made models from the U.S. market.
- Unitree, a Chinese company holding just under 20% of the global humanoid robot market according to Counterpoint Research, is among the most directly affected firms.
- The Pentagon has flagged Unitree as having Chinese military backing, a designation that often precedes stricter U.S. action.
- The ban applies only to newly introduced models; existing FCC-authorized products can still be sold, though the agency retains authority to revoke those authorizations.
- China’s embassy in Washington condemned the move and warned Beijing would “take all necessary measures” if its interests are materially harmed.
U.S. Blocks Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots for National Security
The FCC’s decision formally adds advanced robotic devices — including humanoid and quadruped models — to its Covered List, a register of goods deemed a threat to U.S. national security. Connected power inverters, which link solar panels, batteries, electric grids, and data center equipment, were also added. The practical effect is that new foreign-made models in these categories can no longer receive FCC authorization for the U.S. market.
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