NEW DELHI: The Trump administration has introduced sweeping restrictions on imports of new Chinese-made robots and power inverters, saying the move is aimed at protecting the United States’ artificial intelligence supply chain and critical infrastructure from potential security risks.The measures, announced by the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, prohibit the import of new humanoid and quadruped robots from China, along with connected power inverters used to link renewable energy systems and battery storage to electricity grids and data centre equipment.The restrictions take effect immediately but apply only to models that have not yet been released. However, the FCC retains the authority to withdraw approval for products that are already authorised for sale in the United States.Explaining the decision, the FCC said the targeted products could expose the country to supply chain risks and cyber threats.“These devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt US economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure,” the agency said.FCC Chairman Brendan Carr added, “The FCC will continue to do our part to secure America’s critical supply chains.”The latest action reflects the Trump administration’s broader effort to reduce reliance on Chinese technology in sectors considered vital to the United States’ AI ambitions. Officials believe shifting manufacturing to the US will strengthen domestic industries expected to see rapid growth while reducing the risk of disruption, cyberattacks and theft of sensitive data.The Chinese Embassy in Washington criticised the move and urged the United States to reconsider its approach.It said Beijing “urges the United States to heed the objective and rational voices of the business communities in both countries” and “stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions.”The embassy also warned that China would “take all necessary measures in response to any action that causes material harm to its interests.”The restrictions come as demand for AI-powered humanoid robots and data centres is expected to rise sharply over the coming years. Industry analysts believe these technologies will play an increasingly important role in manufacturing, logistics and consumer applications, while data centres will require dependable power infrastructure to support expanding AI capabilities.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has previously warned that Chinese AI companies could face sanctions if they are found to have stolen American intellectual property.Washington is also seeking to avoid becoming heavily dependent on China for another critical technology after Beijing used its dominance in rare earth minerals, which are essential for advanced manufacturing, as leverage in international negotiations.According to sources familiar with the matter, the FCC is expected to exempt many non-Chinese suppliers from the new restrictions, similar to exemptions granted under previous measures targeting foreign drones and networking equipment.Among the companies likely to be affected is Unitree, one of China’s leading humanoid robot manufacturers. Counterpoint Research estimates the company holds nearly one-fifth of the global humanoid robot market. Unitree was recently added to the Pentagon’s list of companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military, a designation that often precedes tougher restrictions by Washington.The company recently partnered with Nvidia to use the US firm’s Blackwell AI chips in its robots. Nvidia has said data collected by the robots remains in the United States and that Unitree’s largest customers are American universities and research institutions.US officials and lawmakers have raised concerns that advanced robots could collect sensitive information, interfere with critical operations or be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies.“Robots collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots,” the FCC said.Representative John Moolenaar, who chairs the House Select Committee on China, welcomed the decision and said it would strengthen the US robotics industry while protecting national security.The restrictions also affect Chinese-made power inverters, a market dominated by companies such as Sungrow Power Supply and Huawei. Both firms have expanded their presence internationally by offering lower-cost products, although Huawei already faces extensive US sanctions.US authorities have been examining the security risks linked to Chinese inverters following similar concerns raised in Europe and fears that such equipment could be used to disrupt power systems or install malicious software.The move also reflects Washington’s efforts to prevent cyber campaigns similar to Volt Typhoon, a China-linked hacking operation uncovered in 2023 in which attackers allegedly compromised privately owned routers to conceal attempts to infiltrate critical US infrastructure.The US Department of Defense already prohibits the procurement of solar photovoltaic cells, modules and inverters produced by entities regarded as foreign security concerns, including Chinese companies.
