A new US ban on foreign-made humanoid and four-legged robots has raised fresh alarm about the security risks of advanced artificial intelligence, as the Trump administration moves to block imports from China over fears of espionage and remote control. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday added advanced robotic devices and power inverters to its Covered List — a register of goods deemed a threat to US national security — effectively banning new imports of foreign-produced robots and inverters used in data centres and solar panels.
The ban targets many robots made in China, the world’s largest producer of humanoid machines. Companies like Unitree, UBTech and AgiBot could be affected. The FCC said the robots could allow “malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots.” It also cited concerns that overseas-made inverters could be used to steal data, facilitate remote access or trigger blackouts.
“US bans foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters over China security fears, raising questions for UK supply chains”
The move is the latest escalation in a long-running US-China tech rivalry. Washington has already blocked Chinese electric vehicle imports with steep tariffs and restricted sales of cutting-edge semiconductors to Beijing to slow its military modernisation and maintain America’s lead in AI. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also warned that Chinese AI firms could face sanctions over intellectual property theft claims. China has responded by saying its AI development is “the result of its own dedication and effort as well as international cooperation.”
For UK readers, the ban matters because it signals a hardening of US policy on foreign-made robotics — and the UK, as a close US ally and tech hub, could be drawn into the conflict. British companies importing Chinese humanoid robots for factories, warehouses or research may face disruption if similar restrictions are introduced in the UK. The UK is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network and has its own cybersecurity regulations for connected devices. While the UK has not announced a parallel ban, the US move puts pressure on London to review the security of its robot supply chains. Furthermore, any global fragmentation of robot standards could increase costs for UK businesses that rely on Chinese-made machines.
Q: What exactly has been banned? The US has banned new imports of foreign-produced advanced humanoid and four-legged robots, as well as power inverters used in data centres and solar panels. Existing models already authorised by the FCC are not affected.
Q: Why is the US targeting Chinese robots? The US says Chinese-made robots could be used for surveillance, data theft, remote control, or cyberattacks by “foreign government actors.” China is the world’s largest maker of humanoid robots, and the US sees them as a national security risk akin to semiconductors.
Q: Could the UK follow the US ban? Not yet. The UK has not announced similar measures, but as part of the Five Eyes alliance it may review its own rules. UK firms importing Chinese robots could face future restrictions if the UK adopts a tougher line.
What happens next is unclear. The ban applies only to new imports, not existing stock. China’s government has criticised the US move. The robot race between the two superpowers continues, and the UK will have to decide whether to align with its ally or maintain open trade with Beijing.
