The US government has recently placed foreign-made robots and power inverters on its blacklist.

      Uncle Sam has declined to accept new foreign robots and power inverters.

      Months after prohibiting all foreign routers, with some exceptions approved shortly after, the FCC is now focusing on advanced robots and power inverters manufactured outside the United States.

      The Federal Communications Commission has added two new items to its Covered List, targeting advanced robots and power inverters from foreign sources. This action follows a security review led by the White House that identified these categories as potential threats to national security.

      This includes mobile robots, such as humanoids and quadrupeds, as well as connected power inverters utilized throughout the US power grid. According to the agencies involved, these devices could introduce vulnerabilities in the supply chain and cybersecurity risks to the nation's critical infrastructure.

      What changes now?

      Moving forward, new foreign-made advanced robots and power inverters will not qualify for FCC equipment authorization, which is required for devices to be sold, imported, or marketed in the US. However, there is a provision for manufacturers: if they receive "Conditional Approval" from the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security, their devices may still undergo the FCC approval process.

      Does this impact the robot or inverter you currently own?

      The answer is no. The FCC clarified that this regulation applies solely to new models moving forward. If you already possess an affected robot or inverter, you may continue to use it, and retailers may still sell existing approved models. Federal government purchases and use are also unaffected.

      FCC Chairman Brendan Carr endorsed the decision, expressing support and viewing it as the Commission aligning with national security agencies dedicated to safeguarding the supply chain.

      This represents the latest in a series of FCC measures against foreign-made technology, following similar bans on drones and consumer routers earlier this year. Robots and inverters have now joined a growing list, and this may not be the last such action.

      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering the consumer technology sector.

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