US government bans new foreign-made humanoids, robot dogs, and solar inverters, citing risks to national security - TechCrunch

What the report says

TechCrunch reports that the Trump administration has moved to block imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs and power inverters, with the Federal Communications Commission citing national security concerns. The FCC announced the action Tuesday, saying overseas-made devices could be susceptible to remote manipulation, surveillance use by foreign governments or cyberattack risks. The agency said exemptions may be allowed where officials determine a product does not threaten U.S. national security.

According to TechCrunch, the restrictions are expected to fall most heavily on Chinese imports because China holds a dominant position in the global supply of humanoid robots and solar power inverters. Humanoid robots remain an emerging category, with TechCrunch reporting about 15,000 global shipments in 2025 and China’s two largest robot makers accounting for most of them. Solar inverters are already widely used in U.S. homes and renewable energy installations to connect systems to the grid; the FCC said equipment already installed will not be affected.

The decision fits into a broader U.S. campaign targeting Chinese-linked technology over cybersecurity and surveillance concerns. TechCrunch noted earlier actions involving TikTok, foreign-made consumer routers and Chinese surveillance equipment makers Hikvision and Dahua. The U.S. government has repeatedly argued that Chinese ownership or legal obligations could let Beijing pressure companies to spy or interfere with products, while TechCrunch also noted that the U.S. maintains comparable legal powers.

Beijing objected to the FCC move, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson quoted by the Associated Press as saying China would take necessary measures to protect its companies. The development comes ahead of an expected September state visit to Washington by Chinese President Xi Jinping to meet President Donald Trump.