The Trump administration on Tuesday announced a ban on new foreign-made humanoid robot imports to the US. The decision was made over "unacceptable risks" to the country's national security.
The ban covers advanced robots, including humanoid and four-legged machines. Many of these machines are manufactured in China, a country currently in a race with the US to develop robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
In a related move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also prohibited the import of power inverters. These components are used in data centres and solar panels, and the FCC stated they could pose a risk to the US economy. FCC chairman Brendan Carr indicated the agency is working "to secure America's critical supply chains."
Chinese technology companies have rapidly developed humanoid robots for use in settings such as factories and homes. They have also marketed their machines to businesses and the public ahead of US rivals like Tesla and Boston Dynamics.