FCC expands ban to foreign-made robots and power inverters

The Trump administration has expanded a national security ban on foreign-made technology to include advanced robots and connected power inverters, citing risks of espionage, cyberattacks, and threats to critical infrastructure. The Federal Communications Commission announced the new restrictions on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, blocking new models of these devices from receiving the authorization required for import and sale in the United States.

The action adds "advanced robotic devices," including humanoid and quadruped robots, and connected power inverters to the FCC's Covered List of high-risk products. The decision follows similar bans on foreign-made drones and Wi-Fi routers and is based on national security determinations issued by a White House-convened interagency group. Officials stated that the remote connectivity inherent in these devices creates vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign actors.

According to the administration's findings, networked power inverters, which are essential for connecting solar energy and batteries to the electrical grid, could be remotely manipulated to cause widespread blackouts, steal data, or conduct surveillance. The determination...