US Restricts Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots Amid China Technology Concerns

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced restrictions on foreign-made humanoid robots, including advanced robotic systems manufactured overseas, citing national security concerns and supply chain vulnerabilities. The decision, announced on Tuesday, is widely seen as targeting China’s rapidly expanding robotics industry and could add further strain to already tense US-China technology relations. The FCC said the ban would cover new imports of foreign-made humanoid robots, quadruped robots commonly known as robotic dogs, and certain power inverters. According to the agency, these technologies could create cybersecurity risks and expose critical US supply chains to potential foreign influence.

FCC Chairperson Brendan Carr said the move was aimed at protecting American infrastructure and strengthening domestic technology security. He described the decision as part of broader efforts to “secure America’s critical supply chains” as the United States continues reviewing the risks associated with foreign-developed technologies. The latest restrictions come amid an intensifying global race between the United States and China to dominate artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. China currently leads the humanoid robotics sector, producing significantly more robots than many of its international competitors. Analysts estimate that Chinese companies account for a major share of global humanoid robot production.

According to data cited by industry analysts, China represented around 85% of global humanoid robot deployments last year. Companies such as Unitree and AGIBOT have rapidly expanded production, with each reportedly shipping thousands of humanoid robots, while US companies including Tesla and Figure AI have shipped comparatively fewer units. The growing dominance of Chinese robotics firms has become a concern for Washington, which has previously introduced restrictions on Chinese-made drones and considered additional limits on Chinese artificial intelligence technologies. Officials have argued that controlling access to sensitive technologies is necessary to protect national security and maintain competitiveness.

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The decision could also become another point of tension ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Technology policy experts have warned that continued restrictions could create new disputes between the two countries as both seek leadership in emerging industries. Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese technology policies, said the move represented another potential area of disagreement between Washington and Beijing. She noted that the issue comes at a time when both countries are increasingly competing over technological influence. Industry analysts, however, have questioned whether the ban will significantly slow China’s robotics development.

Kangyuxiao Li, an analyst at Morningstar, said restricting access to the US market could affect Chinese companies but would likely not stop their overall progress due to China’s large manufacturing base and access to other global markets. Morgan Stanley analysts have projected that China’s humanoid robot market could reach around $15 billion by 2030, highlighting the country’s ambitions in the sector. Chinese manufacturers have focused on increasing production capacity and reducing costs, allowing them to compete aggressively in global markets. The restrictions may also affect cooperation between US and Chinese technology companies. Omdia analyst Lian Jye Su said the move could have implications for international partnerships, including collaborations involving major technology firms.

For example, Nvidia recently introduced a humanoid robot reference design that uses the humanoid platform developed by Chinese robotics company Unitree. The Pentagon has also placed Unitree and several other Chinese technology companies on a list of firms it claims have links to or provide support for China’s military. Beijing has rejected such allegations, saying it opposes attempts to portray its technological development as a security threat. As the competition over artificial intelligence and robotics accelerates, the US decision reflects Washington’s broader strategy of limiting potential risks from foreign technologies. However, experts say the restrictions may also reshape global technology partnerships and intensify the rivalry between the world’s two largest economies.

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