FCC Blocks New Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots and Power Inverters

The Federal Communications Commission added foreign-produced humanoid robots, quadruped “robot dog” systems, and grid-connected power inverters to its Covered List on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, a move that in effect blocks new models of the affected equipment from being imported, advertised, or sold in the United States. The FCC said the products pose supply chain and cybersecurity risks. TechCrunch reported the restriction largely affects imports from China, which it said holds the vast majority of the global humanoid robot market, and Associated Press wire coverage of the action described it as targeting China over national security concerns.

How the Covered List Actually Works

This particular Covered List update does not name individual manufacturers. Instead, under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, the commission adds product categories to its Covered List once national security agencies determine they pose an unacceptable risk. According to Forbes, an interagency national security review, convened at the White House’s direction, concluded the products posed “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons.” Once a category is added to the list, new models from foreign manufacturers generally cannot receive the FCC equipment authorization required for import, advertising, or sale in the country, Forbes reported. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the commission was “acting in lock step with our national security agencies,” adding that “following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will continue to do our part to secure America’s critical supply chains.”

Why Robots and Inverters Made the List

The interagency review flagged two categories of risk behind the decision: supply chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity threats, including the potential for connected devices to collect data, conduct surveillance, or be remotely commandeered, per Forbes’ reporting. Power inverters convert the direct current generated by solar panels and battery systems into the alternating current used on the power grid, and they are common in U.S. homes and businesses that rely on solar or other renewable energy systems, according to TechCrunch. The FCC said power inverters already installed in homes and businesses are not affected by the new restriction.

China’s Dominance in Humanoid Robotics

The rule targets a market China dominates. TechCrunch reported that roughly 15,000 humanoid robots shipped worldwide in 2025, with China’s two largest robot makers accounting for most of that volume, and described China as holding the “vast majority” of the global market. The Associated Press, in a wire report carried by ABC News, put China’s overall share of the humanoid robot market at approximately 85 percent. Forbes cited more granular manufacturer-level shipment data from January 2026: Chinese firm Agibot led with 5,168 units shipped, followed by Unitree at 4,200 units and UBTech at 1,000 units, with six of the top ten humanoid robot manufacturers worldwide based in China and together accounting for 87 percent of units shipped. Forbes also noted that Unitree, one of the best known Chinese robot dog and humanoid makers, began selling commercially in Europe on July 22, 2026.

Existing Devices Are Unaffected, and Exemptions Are Possible

The new Covered List entries are not retroactive. TechCrunch and Forbes both reported that the restriction applies only to new models seeking equipment authorization going forward; robots and inverters already sold, installed, or previously authorized can continue to be used and sold. The FCC can also grant exceptions case by case if a manufacturer demonstrates that a specific device does not pose a national security risk. Forbes reported that manufacturers can pursue a conditional approval process through the Department of War for robots or the Department of Homeland Security for power inverters.

Part of a Broader Pattern With China

The action follows a series of other U.S. restrictions on Chinese-made technology, including the forced divestiture of TikTok to U.S. investors, bans on a broad swath of foreign-made consumer routers, and restrictions on surveillance equipment made by Hikvision and Dahua, both of which have been linked to human rights abuses, according to TechCrunch. China’s government pushed back on the robot and inverter action. In an Associated Press wire report, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said “protectionism does not make the U.S. more competitive,” accused Washington of “overstretching the concept of national security,” and said Beijing would take “all measures necessary” to protect Chinese businesses. The dispute lands ahead of a planned September visit to Washington by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to meet with President Trump, TechCrunch reported.