US Bans New Chinese Robots and Inverters Over AI Security Risks
Quick Reads
- The US has restricted new Chinese-made humanoid and quadruped robots and connected power inverters.
- The FCC cited national security, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure risks behind the move.
- Chinese robotics firm Unitree and inverter makers Huawei and Sungrow could face a major impact.
- The restrictions could reshape technology supply chains as the US expands its AI infrastructure.
The US has moved to restrict new Chinese-made humanoid and quadruped robots. The restrictions also cover power inverters. The Federal Communications Commission cited national security and infrastructure risks. It said robots could “collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans” or “remotely commandeer the robots.”
The move could affect Unitree, a major Chinese robotics company. Counterpoint Research estimates that Unitree holds nearly a fifth of the global humanoid robot market. The company recently partnered with Nvidia to use its Blackwell chips in its robots. US officials fear connected robots could collect sensitive data or disrupt critical operations.
China also dominates the global inverter market. Major players include Sungrow and Huawei. The Chinese embassy in Washington urged the US to “stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions.” It also warned that Beijing would “take all necessary measures” against actions that harm its interests.
The decision could affect companies building AI data centres, robots and renewable energy systems. Businesses may now face greater pressure to diversify their technology suppliers. The move also shows that US-China technology tensions are spreading beyond AI chips. Robotics, energy systems and other AI infrastructure are now part of the wider technology battle.
