U.S. government bans foreign-made humanoid and dog robots

The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday banned new models of foreign-made humanoid robots, as well as four-legged robots, known as robot dogs. The FCC’s ban came after national security agencies determined that such devices posed risks to America’s supply chain and security. Advanced robotic devices collect data that could be accessed and leveraged by foreign actors, the FCC said. Security authorities also raised concerns that foreign intelligence agencies could remotely commandeer the robots. The FCC on Tuesday also banned foreign-made power inverters for similar reasons, because they had remote connectivity, making them accessible from afar.

American police departments and law enforcement agencies have increasingly used some four-legged robot models to assist them. While some are manufactured by the American company Boston Dynamics, which pioneered the technology, Chinese companies make the majority of humanoid and four-legged robots. The new FCC bans are expected to strain relations with China.

Are there exceptions? The bans are on new models, and they don’t apply to existing models or devices already purchased, according to the FCC. They also don’t apply to the federal government and its agencies. Manufacturers can also apply to the Defense or Homeland Security departments for an exception.

Dig deeper: Read Bekah Bernhardt’s story on increasing use of robots in elder care.