US government bans new foreign-made humanoids, robot dogs, and solar inverters, citing risks to national security
The Trump administration has banned imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs and power inverters, citing "unacceptable" risks to US national security. The move, announced by the Federal Communications Commission, primarily targets China, which dominates global manufacturing in these categories, and reflects longstanding US concerns that Chinese-made devices could be remotely controlled, used for surveillance, or exploited in cyberattacks.
The FCC said exemptions could be granted where a device is found not to pose a security risk, and existing solar power inverters already installed in US homes are unaffected. Humanoid robots remain a niche market, with only around 15,000 units shipped worldwide in 2025, mostly from China's two leading manufacturers. The ban follows earlier US actions against Chinese technology, including the forced sale of TikTok and restrictions on consumer routers and surveillance equipment makers Hikvision and Dahua. Beijing's foreign ministry said China would take "all measures necessary" to protect its companies, and the announcement comes ahead of a planned September state visit to Washington by Chinese Premier Xi Jinping.
In short
- US bans imports of new Chinese-made humanoid robots, robot dogs, solar inverters
- FCC cites national security risks of remote control, surveillance, cyberattacks
- China vows retaliation ahead of Xi Jinping's planned September US visit
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that connected robots and power inverters could expose sensitive data or critical infrastructure to remote surveillance, disruption or cyberattacks, and that preventing new imports is a prudent safeguard when those risks are difficult to assess after devices are widely deployed. They may also see targeted exemptions and protection for existing inverters as a way to address security concerns while limiting disruption.
The case against
Critics argue that a broad ban based mainly on where products are made may restrict trade and competition without demonstrating that the affected devices pose a specific, unmitigable threat. They may favour case-by-case security reviews and enforceable safeguards, which could address genuine vulnerabilities while preserving access to products and avoiding further escalation in US-China tensions.
Explained simply
The United States has restricted the importation of three types of technology: humanoid robots (machines designed to resemble and move like humans), robot dogs, and solar power inverters (devices that convert electricity from solar panels into forms usable in homes and businesses). The Trump administration says these products pose unacceptable risks to national security.
The government's primary concern centres on devices manufactured in China, which dominates the global market for these technologies. American officials worry that Chinese-made devices could potentially be remotely controlled, hacked for surveillance purposes, or exploited in cyberattacks. The policy allows exemptions if manufacturers can demonstrate that their devices do not pose a security threat.
This ban is part of a broader pattern of US restrictions on Chinese technology imports. In recent years, the government has forced the sale of TikTok, restricted consumer routers, and imposed limitations on Chinese surveillance equipment makers. These actions reflect longstanding tensions between the two countries over technology and national security.
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