FCC Adds Chinese Humanoid Robots, Quadrupeds and Power Inverters to Covered List, Blocking New US Imports

The Federal Communications Commission added foreign-made advanced robotic devices — including humanoid and quadruped robots — and connected power inverters to its 'Covered List' on July 28, blocking new, previously unauthorized models from receiving the equipment authorization required to enter the US market, Forbes and The Robot Report reported. The FCC cited supply-chain vulnerabilities, cybersecurity risks, and the potential for foreign-power data collection and surveillance; the order is forward-looking only, meaning already-authorized models (e.g., Unitree's G1, H2, R1 humanoids and Go2, B2, A2 quadrupeds) remain saleable, while new models can qualify only via a specific exemption or conditional approval from the Department of War or Homeland Security. Chinese firms account for six of the top 10 humanoid robotics companies and roughly 87% of all shipped humanoid robots worldwide, per Forbes; the ban follows earlier FCC action against Chinese-made drones and lands just as BYD prepares an early-August debut for its own service humanoid, Xiao Di, alongside Xpeng and Chery robotics programs — effectively closing off the US market to the wave of Chinese humanoid robots slated to launch this year. Standard Bots CEO Evan Beard called it 'one of the strongest technology-security actions in modern U.S. history'; Interact Analysis's Reuben Scriven warned the move could still 'inhibit the U.S. humanoid robotics industry' by removing low-cost platforms that help educate the market. China's embassy in Washington criticized the action as unfairly targeting Chinese businesses and warned of possible retaliation.