RoboStore, previously the leading North American distributor of Chinese-made humanoid robots and robot dogs, is shifting to manufacturing its own robots at a new facility on Long Island, New York. The move comes as the US government tightens restrictions on foreign-made robots, most notably a July ban by the Federal Communications Commission on imports of new models from firms such as China's Unitree Robotics, citing cybersecurity concerns.

RoboStore, which had sold over 1,500 robots to customers including Cisco, OpenAI, Nvidia and more than 150 universities, announced the pivot on 10 August and plans to fully open a 66,000-square-foot manufacturing plant by early 2027. It has launched a new company, Robo Inc, to run the venture, and is developing products including a wheeled humanoid torso for healthcare and concierge use, a security-focused quadruped robot, and a humanoid platform aimed at universities seeking equipment that complies with US restrictions. The company had already wound down its distribution business ahead of the ban, while continuing to support existing customers with parts and repairs.