US communications regulator bans imports of new Chinese humanoid robots and power inverters

The US Federal Communications Commission announced on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, that it had banned imports of new Chinese made humanoid robots, four legged robot dogs and power inverters, adding them to its list of equipment prohibited on national security grounds. The rules took effect immediately but apply only to models not yet authorised for sale in the United States.

The agency said such devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt US economic and national security, particularly if foreign actors were able to compromise or control them. Power inverters connect solar panels, batteries and other electricity sources to the grid and to data centre equipment, and Huawei and Sungrow are among the leading Chinese suppliers in that sector. The restrictions are expected to affect Unitree, a Chinese robotics company that the Pentagon recently added to a list of firms it alleges have links to China's military, allegations Beijing has denied.

China's embassy in Washington criticised the move and urged the United States to heed the objective and rational voices of the business communities in both countries and to stop smearing Chinese companies and threatening them with sanctions. The embassy added that Beijing would take all necessary measures in response to any action causing material harm to its interests. Products already approved for sale are not affected, although the commission can revoke those approvals in some cases.