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.
Key takeaways
- In early August 2026 a wave of developments reshaped the humanoid‑robot landscape.
- Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology, GenerativeBionics and the University of Manchester unveiled the human‑aware “ergoCub,” a new humanoid that can adapt its movements during shared lifting tasks, aiming to reduce back strain for human partners.
- At the same time, the U.S.
- Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on imports of foreign‑made humanoid and quadruped robots—targeting especially Chinese manufacturers such as Unitree—citing national‑security and supply‑chain risks.
- Chinese robot maker Unitree responded by pricing an IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, seeking roughly $900 million and valuing the company at about $9 billion, while highlighting the commercial appeal of its humanoids that have become viral for feats like kung‑fu performances.
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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.”
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