What Happened
Trump Administration Acts To Protect National Security
The Trump administration has taken action to block the import of potentially dangerous Chinese robots and robotic devices, citing national security concerns. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its ‘Covered List’, restricting their sale and import in the US. This move comes as China is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and robotics, and the US is seeking to protect its domestic industry and prevent potential espionage and cyberattacks. The restrictions apply to mobile humanoid robots, four-legged ‘robot dogs’, and wheeled or tracked machines, but do not cover stationary industrial robotic arms or medical and surgical robots. This policy shift was first reported by an unknown source.