On Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, the Trump administration announced bans on the import and sale of new Chinese-made robots and power inverters, citing threats to US national security and vulnerabilities in the supply chain. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expanded its Covered List to include two new categories of foreign-made equipment: advanced robotic devices—including mobile robots such as humanoids and quadrupeds—and connected power inverters.
The FCC notice highlighted that "the networked capabilities of advanced robotic systems create extensive vulnerabilities and vectors for attacks that can influenced the data and physical operation of the advanced robotic system." It further warned that these devices collect data that could be exploited by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance foreign intelligence capabilities, or remotely commandeer the robots.
Regarding power inverters, the FCC alleged that their "remote connectivity" features introduce "additional vulnerabilities which compound as inverter-based resources proliferate on the US grid."
The ban applies only to new imports and sales and does not affect devices already purchased.
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