US bans foreign robots

The US government is targeting China with a new ban on imports of “advanced robotic equipment” and inverters made in foreign countries, such as was already said by Reuters. In announcement on TuesdayThe Federal Communications Commission said the ban would include “mobile” robots, such as humanoid and quadruped models – but not just robots that walk around.

China also has a palace the world’s leading power inverter manufacturer – Sungrow and the previously mentioned Huawei – which are often used in the production of solar panels and other energy sources. In its announcement, the FCC cited “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of the people of the United States” as the reason for the ban.

FAQ page published by the FCC defines an “advanced robotic device” as a machine that can “navigate, avoid obstacles, walk, or walk on the ground;” it comes with a sensor that detects the surrounding area; and it has a network connection device. It must also weigh no more than 4.4 pounds (including the mount, if equipped).

By this definition, even future robots can be banned if they don’t get permission. The FCC doesn’t seem to be restricting this to robots with legs. Then, National Security Determination which the FCC is using to justify the claims Seasidereport on the poor security of DJI’s Romo robovac.

Similar to The US government has banned foreign-made routersCompanies can request a waiver if they want to continue bringing new products to the US, but the waiver does not include requirements to improve the safety of robots or inverters. Existing products in the US will also not be banned, so people and companies can continue to use existing robots and inverters.

As ever, the US government seems to be paying close attention to these weapons were designed and manufactured before they were removed – and each applicant must provide a detailed plan to start manufacturing them in the United States instead. Sources tell us Reuters that the FCC is “expected to exempt many non-Chinese vendors from the restrictions.”

The FCC says today that all robots and power inverters can continue to receive safety and compatibility updates until January 1, 2029 because of additional deductionsbut the agency is also misleading people about how the changes work. Companies are not currently required to notify the FCC when they push security updates to their devices.