The Federal Communications Commission is barring imports of new versions of foreign-made humanoid and four-legged robots as well as power inverters, citing cybersecurity, supply-chain and national security risks in a move aimed primarily at Chinese technology.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Federal Communications Commission is imposing new restrictions on imports of advanced foreign-made robots and power inverters, expanding U.S. efforts to limit Chinese technology that federal officials say could create cybersecurity vulnerabilities and weaken critical domestic supply chains.
The ban applies to “new versions” of foreign-manufactured humanoid robots, four-legged robotic systems and power inverters, according to the FCC.
The action is primarily directed at products from China, prompting Beijing to accuse Washington of using national security concerns as a pretext for protectionism, according to the Associated Press.
FCC officials said increasingly sophisticated robots present cybersecurity and other national security concerns because the machines can collect, process and transmit significant amounts of information while operating in homes, businesses, industrial facilities and other sensitive environments.
The commission also raised concerns about U.S. dependence on offshore manufacturing for technologies that could become increasingly important to the economy and critical infrastructure.
Humanoid robots are emerging as a major focus of competition between the United States and China as companies attempt to develop machines capable of performing increasingly sophisticated industrial, commercial and household tasks.
China currently controls an estimated 85% of the worldwide humanoid robot market, giving Chinese manufacturers a commanding position as demand for advanced robotics grows.
The new restrictions also cover quadruped, or four-legged, robots.
Such machines can be used for tasks ranging from industrial inspections and emergency response to security and surveillance, raising concerns among U.S. officials about the software, communications systems and sensors built into foreign-manufactured devices.
Power inverters are another target of the FCC action.
The devices convert electricity from one form to another and are widely used throughout modern electrical infrastructure, including renewable energy systems, data centers and household appliances.
Their increasing role in solar power installations and other energy systems has made the security and reliability of inverter supply chains a growing concern as the United States becomes more dependent on electronically controlled energy infrastructure.
The FCC said relying heavily on foreign production for such equipment could leave American supply chains vulnerable.
The restrictions represent another step in the federal government’s broader campaign to reduce U.S. reliance on certain Chinese technologies viewed as posing security risks.
Washington has already restricted imports of other Chinese-produced technology products, including drones.
The latest action extends that policy into emerging robotics and electrical equipment at a time when artificial intelligence, automation and advanced manufacturing are rapidly increasing the potential importance of humanoid robots.
The ban could also become another source of friction between Washington and Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the United States in September, and the FCC action comes shortly before that trip as the two governments continue competing over technology, manufacturing and control of strategically important supply chains.
With China holding an estimated 85% share of the humanoid robot market, the restrictions could have significant implications for manufacturers seeking access to U.S. customers while creating additional pressure for expanded domestic production or sourcing from countries outside China.
Beijing has rejected the rationale for the action and characterized the restrictions as protectionist.
U.S. officials, however, are framing the policy as a national security measure intended to address both the digital risks associated with connected robotic systems and the strategic vulnerabilities created when critical technologies are overwhelmingly produced overseas.
The FCC’s decision adds advanced robotics and power-conversion equipment to a growing list of technologies facing tighter U.S. scrutiny as competition with China increasingly extends into artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, drones and automated machines.
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