The US government has banned new humanoid and quadruped robot imports from foreign manufacturers, including those from China, due to concerns over national security risks. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign technology and bolster its domestic industries.

Background

China has been a dominant player in the global humanoid robot market, with over 140 manufacturers and a rapidly expanding supply chain. However, the US government has grown increasingly concerned about the potential risks associated with these devices, including supply chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity threats.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stated that these devices could disrupt US economic and national security, as well as pose a risk to critical infrastructure. The ban excludes models already in use and also includes power converters used to connect renewable energy infrastructure and batteries to the power grid.

Impact

The ban is expected to have a minimal impact on the overall growth of Chinese robot makers, as they have been preparing for such a move. Many Chinese vendors are now looking to Europe as a prime destination for their products. The US market was the largest overseas destination for Chinese-made androids last year, according to technology research firm Interact Analysis.

US tech giant Nvidia had previously announced a partnership with one of China’s top humanoid robot makers, Unitree, for research and development. However, Unitree was later marked as a potential security risk with connections to the Chinese military and barred from entering any contracts with the Department of Defense.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.