White House bans import of humanoid robots for national security

The administration of US President Donald Trump has added humanoid and quadrupedal robots to a list of products and companies whose importation into the US is prohibited for national security reasons. Most humanoid robots sold in the United States are made overseas, particularly in China.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Tuesday the addition of “advanced robotic devices” to the list.

The new FCC list and the White House’s reasons

Some types of drones, as well as Chinese companies Huawei and China Telecom, were already on the list, which now includes what the FCC has called “mobile robots,” meaning robots that mimic the way humans and animals walk by standing on two or four legs.

The decision is based on the findings of a task force established by the White House, which determined that foreign-made robots could create “a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure” and “the safety” of US residents.

However, the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security may grant waivers.

Currently, most humanoid robots are used in industrial applications in confined spaces, such as automotive factories or warehouses.

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