The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US announced on Tuesday a ban on the import of foreign-made humanoid robots, specifically targeting China due to national security concerns. This decision is poised to impact bilateral relations amidst the ongoing technology race between the US and China. Analysts reveal that China holds a significant 85% share of the global humanoid robot market.
The FCC's ban extends to new imports of humanoid robots, quadrupeds, and foreign-made power inverters. The rationale behind the ban is to address supply chain vulnerabilities, cybersecurity threats, and national security risks posed by advanced robots manufactured in foreign countries. FCC Chairperson Brendan Carr emphasized that the move aims to safeguard America's critical supply chains.
The ban is part of a broader effort by the US to restrict Chinese technology imports, including drones and potentially open-source artificial intelligence models. Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank, noted that these actions set the stage for potential tensions ahead of a scheduled summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September. Last year, China accounted for the majority of humanoid robot deployments globally, with analysts projecting the market to reach USD 15 billion by 2030.
Chinese manufacturers have been rapidly scaling production and reducing costs, outpacing most international competitors. While the ban may protect US developers from price competition, it is unlikely to impede China's overall humanoid robot development due to its robust domestic manufacturing capabilities and export opportunities. Notably, Chinese companies like Unitree and AGIBOT have significantly outpaced their US counterparts in shipments, signaling China's dominance in the global market.
In response to the ban, China has emphasized its technological advancements as beneficial to the global community rather than a threat. The move could potentially impact collaborations between US and Chinese tech firms, such as Nvidia's recent unveiling of a humanoid robot reference design developed in partnership with Chinese robotics company Unitree. Furthermore, the Pentagon's classification of Unitree as a company with ties to the Chinese military has sparked controversy, with Beijing strongly opposing the claim.