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.