US Clamps Down on Chinese Humanoid Robots Over Security Fears

The Trump administration has announced a new ban on importing advanced humanoid robots and certain other technology from foreign countries, especially China, due to concerns about national security. This ban covers not only robots that look and move like humans but also four-legged robots and power inverters, which are important for data centers and solar panels. The United States government is worried that these products, if made outside the country, could be used to spy on Americans, steal important information, or even disrupt critical systems. The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, is the agency responsible for this decision. They have added these items to their Covered List, which is a register of goods and services considered risky for US national security.

China is the world's largest producer of humanoid robots, and many of the most advanced models come from Chinese companies. The Chinese government has strongly criticized the US ban, saying that it is unfair and based on false reasons. The Chinese embassy in Washington said that China will take all necessary steps to protect its interests and called on the US to stop making trade into a political issue. They also urged all countries to work together to develop artificial intelligence in a positive way. The FCC, however, says that it is just doing its job to keep America's supply chains safe and to prevent foreign governments from using technology to harm the US. The new rules only apply to new models of robots and inverters. Any products that were already approved by the FCC before the ban can still be sold or used in the US.

The FCC explained that foreign-made power inverters could be used by overseas companies to turn off important systems, steal data, or allow remote access and spying by foreign governments. Similarly, robots made outside the US could be used to watch Americans, help foreign intelligence agencies, or even be taken over by hackers. The US has already taken other steps to limit China's influence in technology, such as blocking the sale of advanced computer chips and making it very expensive for Chinese electric cars to be sold in America. The US wants to protect its lead in artificial intelligence and slow down China's military modernization. In response, China says its progress in AI and robotics is the result of hard work and international cooperation. Chinese companies have quickly developed robots for factories and homes and are selling them to businesses and the public, even before American companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics can catch up. The US is also watching Chinese AI companies closely and may put more sanctions on them if they are seen as a threat. The BBC has reached out to major Chinese robot makers for their comments, but they have not responded yet.