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// DOSSIER — us-fcc-bans-chinese-humanoid-robots-power-inverters
US FCC Bans Imports of New Chinese Humanoid Robots and Power Inverters
REL_TIME: 30 Jul 2026 07:12Z · LANG: EN
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has placed a ban on imports of new models of foreign-made humanoid robots, quadruped robot dogs, and connected power inverters, citing national security, cybersecurity, and supply chain threats. The decision specifically targets Chinese manufacturers, who currently dominate the global humanoid robotics market and energy inverter supply chains. The restrictions apply strictly to new device models seeking authorization and do not force the immediate removal of existing, previously approved units. Chinese officials condemned the measures as protectionist, warning that Beijing will take all necessary steps to defend its business interests ahead of a planned summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
// Background
China has emerged as a dominant global force in both robotics and energy infrastructure, holding an estimated 85% market share in humanoid robotics and supplying roughly 90% of inverters used in US public utility photovoltaic projects. Companies such as Unitree and AGIBOT led global humanoid shipments in 2025, far outpacing US competitors. The ban follows prior US actions restricting Chinese drones, advanced semiconductors, and telecommunications equipment over concerns that Chinese national security laws could compel commercial hardware providers to assist state intelligence or facilitate cyber operations like the Volt Typhoon campaign.
// Key Developments
- The FCC added foreign-made humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and connected power inverters to its Covered List, banning new, unauthorized models immediately.
- The restrictions aim to protect US critical infrastructure and AI supply chains against risks of remote surveillance, data exfiltration, and cyberattacks.
- The decision impacts leading Chinese robotics firms like Unitree and AGIBOT, as well as major inverter manufacturers including Sungrow and Huawei.
- China currently commands approximately 85 percent of the global market for humanoid robots and supplies a vast majority of utility-scale inverters used in the US.
- China's Foreign Ministry and embassy accused the US of overstretching national security concepts and warned of retaliatory measures.
// Timeline
-
Reports surface indicating the US administration is drafting an import ban on Chinese power inverters.
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Sungrow Chairman Cao Renxian informs investors that US Department of Energy testing found no malicious wireless functions in its exported inverters.
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The FCC officially updates its Covered List to ban new unapproved models of foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs, and power inverters.
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Details of the FCC ban are publicly reported; China's Foreign Ministry and embassy strongly criticize the decision as protectionist.
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Chinese inverter manufacturer stocks decline in afternoon trading; Beijing warns it will resolutely retaliate to protect its technological interests.
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Planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the United States.
// Perspectives
[US Federal Communications Commission & Lawmakers]
Maintain that blocking unauthorized foreign-made connected hardware is vital to protect critical power grid, data center, and AI infrastructure from espionage or cyber disruption.
[Chinese Government & Foreign Ministry]
Accuse the US of abusing national security rhetoric for market protectionism, pledging to take all necessary measures to safeguard the rights of Chinese enterprises.
[Market & Industry Analysts]
Observe that while the ban shields domestic developers like Tesla and Figure AI from Chinese price competition in the US, China's strong domestic market and alternative export destinations will prevent its overall robotics push from slowing down significantly.
// Quotes
“These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt US economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure.”
“Protectionism does not make the U.S. more competitive, and it will only hurt the interests of U.S. companies and consumers.”
“It’s a steady drumbeat of potential flashpoints heading into (the) Trump-Xi summit planned for September.”
“The inverters the company exports to the US do not have functions of remote upgrade and remote communication and meet US standards.”
