The US government has decided foreign robots are too risky and added foreign-made advanced robots and power inverters to its Covered List.
The Federal Communications Commission claims it is all about national security, although that (along with protecting the children) does seem to be a cover-all excuse for protectionism.
Washington is terrified that cheap imported robots might turn up before its domestic favourites have finished their investor decks. Elon Musk has been promising affordable robots in the home for ages now, and they do not seem to get any closer.
The Covered List started life as a way to block equipment viewed as an espionage risk, particularly Huawei gear. It has now expanded into humanoid robots, mobile machines and connected power equipment, because apparently the toaster with legs might be phoning Beijing.
The FCC said the restrictions cover foreign-produced “advanced robotic devices” and “connected power inverters produced in foreign countries.”
That means new models of imported humanoids, quadrupeds and other networked robots could struggle to get FCC authorisation for sale in the US. Previously approved gear gets to live on, at least until some senator notices it can walk.
Unitree is likely to take the biggest kicking from the move. The Chinese robotics outfit has been pushing affordable humanoid and quadruped machines into a market where US alternatives are often priced at defence-contract levels.
That is particularly awkward for Nvidia, which has worked with Unitree in robotics, although the ban is framed by country of production rather than a single company name.
The government’s fear is that networked robots could collect data, spy on Americans or be remotely commandeered.
Power inverters were dragged into the same net because they sit inside solar, battery and grid systems. The FCC says their remote connectivity could expose critical infrastructure to attack, surveillance or a large off switch operated by someone unpleasant.
The FCC’s move follows a familiar US tech playbook. First, warn that the foreign kit is dangerous, ban it and then act surprised when domestic options cost more, ship later and require a government grant to look vaguely competitive.
