The US government, under the Trump administration, has announced a ban on the import of new foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs, and power inverters, primarily targeting products from China. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) justified the move by expressing concerns that these devices could be manipulated remotely for surveillance or cyberattacks by foreign governments. While the ban covers new imports, existing devices already in use within the US will not be affected, and exceptions may be granted if a product is deemed safe for national security.

China currently dominates the global market for humanoid robots and solar inverters, with the majority of the approximately 15,000 humanoid robots shipped worldwide in 2025 being produced by two Chinese companies. Power inverters, which connect renewable energy systems like solar panels to the power grid, are more commonly used in American homes, making this part of the ban especially significant for the energy sector. The FCC’s action highlights ongoing concerns about the potential for foreign control or interference in critical technologies.

This ban is part of a broader US strategy to curb Chinese influence over key technologies amid ongoing cybersecurity tensions. The US has previously restricted Chinese companies, including surveillance firms and consumer electronics manufacturers, citing risks related to espionage and human rights abuses. These efforts also come amid broader geopolitical tensions, with accusations that China has conducted cyber espionage on American businesses and military targets in preparation for potential conflicts such as an invasion of Taiwan.

China has strongly opposed the FCC’s ban, promising to defend its businesses by all necessary means. The situation remains tense as President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington later this year, where trade and security issues are likely to be focal points. This latest move further underscores the complex dynamics shaping US-China relations, particularly in the fields of advanced robotics and renewable energy technologies.