(Yicai) July 29 -- The United States has barred imports of new foreign-made robots and connected power inverters, citing national security risks. Though no country was named, Chinese firms are expected to be the most affected given China's dominant position in both product categories.

The US Federal Communications Commission said yesterday it was adding “advanced robotic devices,” defined as mobile robots including humanoids and quadrupeds, and connected power inverters to its Covered List. Equipment, services, and product categories on the list are barred from receiving the FCC authorization required for import, marketing, or sale in the country.

The FCC cited supply chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks, warning that networked robotic systems “collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was “acting in lock step with our national security agencies” to secure critical supply chains.

The restriction took immediate effect but applies only to new device models not yet authorized. It does not affect previously authorized models already on the market, consumers’ existing devices, or federal government purchases. Manufacturers can seek a Conditional Approval exemption from the Department of War for robots or the Department of Homeland Security for inverters.

The move will mainly impact Chinese manufacturers. According to data from tech research firm Omdia, Chinese businesses occupied the top six places in terms of humanoid robot shipments globally last year, with a total market share of nearly 90 percent. AgiBot and Unitree Robotics were first and second, respectively, while the US’ Figure AI and Tesla ranked seventh and ninth.

According to Unitree, the American market is the Hangzhou-based firm’s largest abroad by revenue. Yao Maoqing, a partner at AgiBot, said in May that its overseas revenue accounted for nearly 20 percent of the total in the first half of this year. Shanghai-based AgiBot will concentrate on three high-end markets -- North America, Europe, and Japan and South Korea -- and overseas income will become more important, he added.

Editor: Tom Litting