The move is part of a broader U.S. effort to reduce dependence on Chinese technology in industries related to artificial intelligence, energy and data centers.
Published July 29, 2026
The United States has banned imports of new humanoid robots, robot dogs, and power inverters made in China because these products can pose cybersecurity and national security risks to critical infrastructure.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the restrictions on Tuesday, adding the product to its list of prohibited devices for national security reasons. The rule went into effect immediately, but applies only to models that have not yet been approved for sale in the United States.
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The move is part of a broader U.S. effort to reduce dependence on Chinese technology in industries related to artificial intelligence, energy and data centers.
Power inverters connect solar panels, batteries, and other power sources to the grid and data center equipment. Humanoid robots and quadrupedal robot dogs are increasingly being used in factories, warehouses, and research facilities.
The FCC said these devices can pose supply chain and cybersecurity risks, especially if foreign attackers can compromise or take control of the devices.
“These devices create supply chain vulnerabilities and have the potential to disrupt the U.S. economy and national security,” the agency said.
The restrictions are expected to affect Nvidia and Chinese robotics company Unitree, which has been collaborating on developing robots equipped with the U.S. chipmaker’s technology.
The Department of Defense recently added Unitree to a list of companies it claims have ties to the Chinese military. The Chinese government denies these allegations.
“Stop defaming Chinese companies”
The Chinese embassy in Washington criticized the move and called on the US to stop targeting Chinese companies.
The paper said Beijing “calls on the United States to listen to the objective and rational voices of the business communities of both countries” and “stop slandering Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions.”
The Chinese government “will take all necessary measures against any actions that cause serious damage to its interests,” the embassy added.
The FCC’s lawsuit also targets new Chinese-made power inverters. Huawei and SunGrow are among China’s major suppliers in this field.
This restriction does not affect products already approved for sale in the United States, but the FCC could revoke those approvals in some cases.
The decision comes as President Donald Trump’s administration encourages companies to expand advanced manufacturing in the United States. Tesla, Figure AI, Agility Robotics, and Boston Dynamics are among the companies developing or assembling humanoid robots in Japan.
Tesla has announced plans to increase production of its Optimus robot. Figure AI and Agility Robotics already operate facilities in the United States that produce industrial robots.
The move could further escalate tensions between Washington and China, which are already at odds over advanced chips, artificial intelligence, trade and control of strategic technology supply chains.
