The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Tuesday (28 Jul.) a ban on the import of new humanoid robots and quadruped robots from China, as well as grid-connected inverters — devices that allow renewable energy sources and batteries to connect to power grids and AI data centre equipment.
The measure took effect immediately upon its announcement and applies only to robot and inverter models not yet on the market, though the FCC also has the authority to revoke marketing authorisations for models already approved for sale in the United States.
The two new categories of devices were added by the FCC to its Covered List — a register of communications equipment and technology-related services considered to pose a threat or risk to US national security.
The purpose of the import ban is to protect the United States' AI development, as these devices could create weaknesses or vulnerabilities in manufacturing and supply chain networks, opening the door to disruptions, data theft, and cyberattacks that could affect the economy and national security. The FCC stated that the robots "collect data that malicious actors could use to spy on Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or enable remote control of the robots."
At the same time, the ban is also intended to encourage companies to relocate their manufacturing operations to the United States.
Unitree will be affected by this measure, according to research firm Counterpoint Research. The Chinese humanoid robot manufacturer holds nearly one-fifth of the global market share and has incorporated Nvidia's most powerful Blackwell chips to power the brains of its robots.
However, Nvidia confirmed that robot data will remain within the United States, and that Unitree's largest customers are US academic and research institutions.
Meanwhile, some analysts predict that humanoid robots — equipped with AI-powered "brains" — will see widespread adoption in the future among consumers and in the industrial sector.
In addition, the construction of numerous data centres in the United States relies heavily on inverters from trusted sources, while China is the world's largest inverter manufacturer and is steadily increasing its share of the Western inverter market, led by Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei.
Xiang Ligang, a senior Chinese telecommunications observer, noted that humanoid robots and quadruped robots are still in the early stages of development. Imports would facilitate mutual learning, but the ban will force American companies to operate in a closed, opaque manner, which will slow down innovation.
Zhang Xiaorong, director of a cutting-edge technology research institute in Beijing, said that inverters are critically important for AI data centres and renewable energy integration. Rejecting low-cost options from China could drive up electricity prices and slow AI progress due to supply or cost issues. The United States is currently facing significant challenges in its energy system, with insufficient electricity capacity to support AI development.
Source: Global Times / Reuters
