Trump administration bans new Chinese robots and power inverters to protect the US AI buildout

The Trump administration on Tuesday unveiled bans targeting imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters, aiming to shield the U.S. AI buildout from national security threats and bring key industries back onshore.

The Federal Communications Commission released the measures, which bar imports of new Chinese humanoid and quadruped robots along with connected power inverters, the devices that link renewable energy sources, batteries and data center equipment to the grid. The FCC said the products could create supply chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks to American critical infrastructure. Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency would continue working to secure the country's supply chains.

The rules, effective immediately, apply only to models not yet released, though the FCC can revoke authorizations for products already cleared for sale. Non-Chinese suppliers are expected to be exempted, as with recent bans on foreign drones and routers.

The robot ban is expected to hit Unitree, a global leader in humanoids recently added to the Pentagon's list of alleged Chinese military-backed firms. China hawks fear such robots could surveil U.S. industries or be remotely commandeered.

Beijing pushed back, urging Washington to stop smearing Chinese companies and warning it would take all necessary measures to protect its interests.

China did not receive advance comment from Unitree, Sungrow or Huawei.