US bans foreign-made humanoid robots, targeting China over national security

by: The Associated Press

Posted: Aug 1, 2026 / 04:07 PM CDT

Updated: Aug 1, 2026 / 04:07 PM CDT

by: The Associated Press

Posted: Aug 1, 2026 / 04:07 PM CDT

Updated: Aug 1, 2026 / 04:07 PM CDT

HONG KONG (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. said on Tuesday it would ban the import of foreign-made humanoid robots in a move that targets China, arguing they pose a national security risk.

The decision could strain bilateral relations as the technology race between the two world leaders advances. China makes substantially more humanoid robots than the U.S. and other competitors, and analysts estimate that Chinese humanoid robots’ global market share has reached roughly 85%. The latest U.S. ban could also potentially impact collaborations between U.S. and Chinese technology companies, said Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at Omdia.

Nvidia, for example, in June revealed a humanoid robot reference design which uses the humanoid chassis of Chinese robot maker Unitree.

The Pentagon recently placed Unitree alongside several major Chinese technology companies on its list of firms that it said have ties to or aid the Chinese military, a claim that Beijing said it “firmly opposes.”