The Trump administration has expanded its technology restrictions on China by banning imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, quadruped robots and connected power inverters, arguing the products pose unacceptable risks to US national security.

The restrictions, announced by the Federal Communications Commission, apply only to new product models and add the devices to the agency’s Covered List, which identifies communications and tech equipment considered a security threat. Existing products that have already received authorization can continue to be sold and imported.

The move is another step in Washington’s effort to reduce dependence on Chinese technology in sectors viewed as essential to AI, advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency’s action is intended to strengthen America’s critical supply chains by limiting technologies that could expose the country to cyberattacks or foreign interference.

Federal officials argue that network-connected robots could be exploited to collect sensitive information, support foreign intelligence operations or even allow remote control of robotic systems operating inside the US. Similar concerns were cited for power inverters, which play a central role in connecting battery systems and data center equipment to electrical networks.

According to the FCC, compromised inverters could potentially be used to steal operational data or provide unauthorized access to critical infrastructure.

Adding to Earlier Export Controls

The latest restrictions follow previous US actions targeting Chinese telecom equipment, drones, routers and advanced semiconductor technology. Washington has also imposed export controls limiting China’s access to leading-edge AI chips while encouraging domestic manufacturing of strategic technologies.

The administration is also seeking to avoid another supply chain disruption similar to last year’s restrictions on rare earth exports from China. Rare earth minerals are essential for defense systems and advanced manufacturing.

Chinese manufacturers have established a strong position in the emerging humanoid robotics market. Companies including Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot have rapidly introduced robots designed for industrial facilities and consumer applications, often reaching commercial markets ahead of US competitors.

Chinese company Unitree is a top global vendor in the humanoid robot market. The company was recently added to the Pentagon’s list of firms with alleged ties to China’s military, a designation that can precede additional US restrictions.

Unitree has also partnered with NVIDIA to integrate the company’s Blackwell AI platform into its humanoid robots. NVIDIA has said customer data generated by those systems remains in the US and noted that Unitree’s largest customers include American universities and research organizations.

The FCC’s order also targets connected power inverters, an area where Chinese suppliers dominate global production. Companies including Sungrow and Huawei have built significant market share by offering lower-priced products used in renewable energy installations worldwide.

Officials say reducing reliance on overseas suppliers will strengthen the resilience of the infrastructure supporting the rapid expansion of AI data centers, which require large volumes of electrical equipment as new facilities come online.

The FCC is expected to allow exemptions for qualifying non-Chinese manufacturers through a waiver process similar to programs used for previous restrictions on drones and networking equipment. Companies seeking approval for new products can seek reviews involving the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.

China condemned the new measures, with its embassy in Washington accusing the US of politicizing trade and technology issues. Beijing urged Washington to stop targeting Chinese companies with sanctions and warned it would take measures to protect its interests.