Trump’s AI protectionism has come for robotics

The FTC has banned foreign-made humanoids, making a fragile, nascent sector part of America’s AI industrial policy.

By

James O'Donnellarchive page

August 3, 2026

row of humanoid robots

VCG via AP Images

This story originally appeared in The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter on AI. To get stories like this in your inbox first,sign up here. Humanoid robots usually elicit more cringe than awe: They stumble, kick children, and despite advances are still worse at using their hands than my toddler. It’s a nascent industry, and such robots are more commonly seen in viral videos than real workplaces or homes.