On July 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added foreign-produced advanced humanoid robots and connected power inverters to its Covered List. This move prevents many new models from receiving the FCC authorization required to be imported or sold in the United States.

Humanoid robots, which can transport equipment in factories or assist in artificial intelligence research, often connect to the internet, potentially sending sensitive data beyond secure facilities. The Trump administration has identified this combination as a national security risk.

Separately, Republican Congressman Bernie Moreno of Ohio introduced the bipartisan Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026. The legislation aims to effectively block Chinese-made electric vehicles from entering the US market, citing concerns that these vehicles could be remotely controlled and pose significant national security threats. Moreno also emphasized the need to protect the American auto industry and its workers from subsidized Chinese imports.

Nvidia, a major technology company, has stated that data from the affected robots will remain within the United States.

These actions reflect ongoing US efforts to address security concerns related to foreign technology imports, particularly those linked to China.

Sources