USA Has Banned the Import of Humanoid Robots

The USA has banned the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots due to national security risks.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced this.

The decision also applies to four-legged robotic platforms.

The FCC believes that the use of foreign-made robots could pose risks of surveillance of Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or enable the remote takeover of robotic systems.

However, the ban does not apply to the sale or import of models that the commission has already approved.

In addition to robots, the FCC has banned the import of power inverters used in data centers and solar power plants.

The commission believes that foreign manufacturers could use such devices to remotely shut down equipment, steal data, gain unauthorized access, or conduct surveillance—particularly on behalf of foreign governments.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the decision is also aimed at protecting the United States’ critical supply chains.

The BBC noted that China is currently competing with the United States in the development of robotics and artificial intelligence, and is a manufacturer of various types of humanoid and quadrupedal robotic devices.

Humanoid robots

Humanoid robots are autonomous or remotely controlled robotic devices designed to mimic the structure of the human body. They typically have a head, torso, two arms, and two legs, which allow them to move, interact with objects, and perform various tasks. They can be used in industry, logistics, the service sector, and medicine, as well as for rescue and military operations.

Humanoid robots for the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Brave1 CEO Andriy Hrytsenyuk stated at the Brave1 Advantage event that Ukraine will hold a grant competition to develop humanoid robots for the Armed Forces. According to him, this initiative aligns with global trends, as the humanoid robotics industry is actively developing in the USA and China.

He emphasized that Ukrainian developers will initially focus on creating simpler platforms that will gradually gain more complex functionality and be geared exclusively toward defense needs and military applications.

Previously, Phantom MK-1 humanoid robot soldiers were delivered to Ukraine for assessment of their effectiveness.