The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday moved to ban the import of foreign-made humanoid robots, alongside quadrupeds and certain foreign-made power inverters, saying the technologies create supply-chain, cybersecurity and national security risks. The decision explicitly targets overseas suppliers at a time when Chinese manufacturers dominate global production.
“This action is to secure America’s critical supply chains,” FCC chair Brendan Carr said in a statement, framing the measure as a defensive step to reduce vulnerabilities in advanced robotics and related equipment.
Scope of the ban
The FCC’s measure covers new imports of humanoid robots — machines designed to resemble or mimic human form and movement — as well as four-legged robots commonly called quadrupeds, and specified foreign-made power inverters. The agency cited concerns that foreign control or influence over these systems could expose U.S. networks and infrastructure to risks.
Why regulators point to national security
In its announcement, the commission tied the restrictions to supply-chain vulnerabilities and potential cybersecurity threats posed by advanced robotics built overseas. U.S. officials have taken similar steps recently, including bans on certain Chinese-made drones, and are considering further limits on Chinese open-source AI models as the technology landscape shifts rapidly.
China’s dominance in humanoid robots
Analysts and industry data cited in the announcement underline China’s leading role in humanoid production. Barclays estimated that China accounted for roughly 85% of global humanoid deployments last year, a dominance driven by rapid scaling and state-backed industrial support. Omdia reported that about 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped worldwide in 2025; Chinese firms Unitree and AGIBOT each shipped more than 5,000 units, while U.S. companies such as Tesla and Figure AI shipped only a few hundred or less.
Morgan Stanley has forecast China’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion by 2030. “Chinese manufacturers have been scaling production and reducing costs faster than most overseas competitors,” Morningstar analyst Kangyuxiao Li said, adding that restricting access to the U.S. could protect domestic developers from price competition but would not necessarily slow China’s overall development given its large domestic market and other export opportunities.
Industry ties and collaboration at risk
The ban could complicate existing and prospective technical collaborations. Nvidia in June disclosed a humanoid robot reference design that uses the chassis of Chinese maker Unitree, illustrating how international supply chains and design partnerships are already entangled. The Pentagon has placed Unitree among Chinese firms it says have ties to or provide support to the Chinese military — a designation Beijing said it “firmly opposes.”
Analysts warn the move may heighten tensions ahead of planned diplomatic meetings. “It’s a steady drumbeat of potential flash
