US bans imports of new Chinese humanoid robots and power inverters

The US Federal Communications Commission said on Tuesday 28 July 2026 that it has banned imports of Chinese-made humanoid robots, four-legged robot dogs and power inverters, citing cybersecurity and national security risks to critical infrastructure. According to Al Jazeera, citing AFP and Reuters, the products were added to the agency's list of prohibited equipment. The new rules took effect immediately but apply only to models not yet authorised for sale in the United States and do not cover previously approved products, although the commission can revoke those approvals in some cases.

The FCC said the devices could create supply-chain vulnerabilities that, in the agency's words, "could disrupt US economic and national security." Inverters connect solar panels, batteries and other power sources to the grid and to data-centre equipment. The restrictions are expected to affect the Chinese robotics company Unitree, which has worked with Nvidia. Huawei and Sungrow are among the leading Chinese suppliers in the inverter sector.

China's embassy in Washington criticised the move and urged the United States to "stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions," adding that Beijing would take "all necessary measures" in response to any action causing material harm to its interests.