FCC Restricts New Foreign Mobile Robots

Single-source brief: The FCC added certain foreign mobile robots to its Covered List on July 28.

What Changed

IEEE Spectrum reports that the FCC expanded its Covered List to include mobile, communicating robots over 2 kilograms.

New foreign-made products in that category are no longer eligible for import, according to IEEE Spectrum.

The FCC says the Covered List covers equipment that threatens U.S. national security.

The rule applies to new devices. Robots already certified are not restricted for sale or use.

Which Robots Are Covered

The FCC defines advanced robotic devices as mobile systems with onboard sensing, communications, and some autonomy.

Drones, connected vehicles, and medical devices are exempt from this restriction, IEEE Spectrum reports.

Robots under 2 kilograms may fall outside the rule.

Systems that communicate below 200 kilobits per second may also avoid the restriction.

Why It Matters for Humanoids

Many humanoids are mobile, use sensors, and communicate with networks. Those traits may place foreign-made systems within the definition.

The FCC cites cyber risk and critical infrastructure concerns, according to IEEE Spectrum.

The reported policy also seeks a stronger U.S. robotics supply chain and industrial base.

Foreign companies seeking authorization may need a time-bound plan for U.S. manufacturing.

Deployment Reality and Unknowns

This is a market-access rule, not proof that any humanoid is unsafe.

The policy is newly announced, and industry reaction remains mixed, IEEE Spectrum says.

It remains unclear how foreign makers will gain authorization.

Applicants must submit materials to the Defense Department and FCC by January 1, 2028.