US humanoid robot ban draws China suppression claim

China accused the United States on Wednesday of trying to suppress Chinese companies after Washington added foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots to a US import ban on national security grounds.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing “firmly opposed” the US move and would take “necessary measures” to protect the rights and interests of Chinese companies. She said protectionism would harm US companies and consumers.

The US Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday that “advanced robotic devices” had been added to its banned list, including mobile robots that mimic humans or animals by walking on two or four legs. Certain drones, Huawei and China Telecom were already on the list.

The FCC decision followed findings from a White House task force that foreign-built robots could create cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure and to the safety and security of US residents.

The ban applies to new models, not robots already sold or authorised in the United States, and the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security can grant exemptions. A Trump administration official said the ban covers fully assembled robots and robots assembled in the United States with more than 35% of components made abroad.

Most humanoid robots sold in the United States are imported, particularly from China. Most are used in confined industrial sites such as automobile factories or warehouses.