The U.S. FCC has added foreign-produced mobile communicating robots weighing over 2 kg to its national security 'Covered List,' effectively banning new imports of such devices. The move, driven by the Department of Defense, is framed as country-neutral but is widely understood to target Chinese robotics. Existing certified devices are unaffected; only new certifications are blocked. Foreign companies seeking approval must submit applications by January 2028 and commit to establishing U.S. manufacturing. Industry reactions are mixed: U.S. companies like Boston Dynamics welcome reduced competition, while analysts warn that broad bans could slow innovation and hurt American startups dependent on Chinese components. China's Ministry of Commerce condemned the move as protectionist. Swiss firm ANYbotics plans to pursue conditional approval, while critics argue a more targeted, risk-based framework would be more effective than blanket restrictions.
