According to a notice by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "advanced robotic devices", including humanoids and quadrupeds, have been included in its “Covered List" of prohibited imports. Certain types of drones, as well as Chinese companies Huawei and China Telecom, were already on the FCC's list.
The decision was based on findings from a White House task force which concluded that foreign-built robots could create "a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure" and "the safety and security" of US residents.
However, the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security can grant exemptions. The ban only applies to new models and not to those already sold or authorized in the US.
According to a government official, the ban covers robots that are fully assembled, as well as those assembled on US soil with more than 35% of their components manufactured abroad.
