The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has implemented a ban on the importation of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters due to concerns about national security risks, specifically targeting China. Beijing has swiftly criticized the U.S., labeling the move as protectionist. These actions are expected to strain relations with Beijing as Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit U.S. President Donald Trump in September. China holds a dominant position in the global humanoid robot market with an estimated market share of approximately 85%.
The ban imposed by the FCC extends to new imports of quadruped robots, commonly known as four-legged robot dogs. The agency has highlighted that the importation of advanced robots can present cybersecurity and other national security threats. Dependence on offshore production for such equipment also exposes U.S. supply chains to potential disruptions.
Additionally, the ban on power inverters, devices used to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, could have far-reaching implications. FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized that these measures are aimed at securing America’s critical supply chains and specifically target the importation of “new versions” of these products.
This latest move by the FCC follows a series of restrictions imposed by the U.S. on Chinese imports, including drones, and constraints on the export of advanced U.S. technology to China. There are ongoing discussions regarding potential controls on the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models, coinciding with the rapid advancement of Chinese AI technology.
China has been rapidly integrating robots into various sectors, supported by government policies aimed at boosting the technology industry. Analysts at Morgan Stanley project that China’s humanoid robot market could reach $15 billion by 2030. The rapid expansion of Chinese manufacturers in the production of robots has raised concerns among overseas competitors. Although restricting access to the U.S. market may protect American developers from price competition, it is unlikely to significantly impede China’s overall humanoid development given its robust manufacturing base and export opportunities.
Of the approximately 15,000 humanoid robots shipped globally in 2025, major Chinese robotics companies like Unitree and AGIBOT each shipped more than 5,000 units, surpassing their U.S. counterparts such as Tesla and Figure AI. Morningstar analysts suggest that the impact on U.S. markets from the power inverter ban is expected to be minimal, as it does not affect the continued use of existing devices or the sale of previously approved models by Chinese companies in the U.S.
In response to the U.S. actions, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized Washington for allegedly stretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies. China has vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses. The ministry emphasized that protectionist measures do not enhance U.S. competitiveness and may harm the interests of American companies and consumers.
The new bans could potentially disrupt collaborations between U.S. and Chinese technology firms, according to Omdia’s chief analyst, Lian Jye Su. For instance, Nvidia recently unveiled a humanoid robot reference design utilizing China’s Unitree humanoid chassis. The Pentagon has identified Unitree and several other prominent Chinese technology companies as having ties to or aiding the Chinese military, a claim that Beijing has refuted.
