# America bans imported robots due to supply chain and security risks

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/america-bans-imported-robots-due-to-supply-chain-and-security-risks/
- Published: 2026-07-29T02:16:31+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-29T04:05:55+00:00
- Original publisher: The Register
- Original article: https://www.theregister.com/security/2026/07/29/america-bans-imported-robots-due-to-supply-chain-and-security-risks/5280145
- Topics: Asia, World

## Key points

- US effectively bans import of foreign-made advanced robots over security fears
- China's Unitree cited after hackable flaws found in its robots
- US-made robots, including Boston Dynamics and Tesla, are exempt

## Summary

The US government has effectively banned the sale of advanced robots manufactured outside America, citing national security and supply chain risks. The move, disclosed via a National Security Determination and an updated Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned-device list, cites concerns that internet-connected robots create broad attack surfaces vulnerable to data exfiltration, remote disruption and insecure over-the-air updates, with China's Unitree singled out as an example after flaws dubbed UniPwn allowed attackers to hijack its humanoid robots.

The FCC has added foreign-made advanced robotic devices to its Covered List of banned imports, with the only exception being devices vouched for by the Department of War. Foreign-owned firms manufacturing in the US, such as Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics, are exempt, as are already-approved imports and robots people already own; the ban applies only to future foreign-made devices. Tesla, whose boss Elon Musk has touted plans for mass humanoid robot production, stands to benefit from the policy.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.