U.S. Robotics Legislation Takes a Bold Step Forward

Congress just introduced not one, but two pivotal bills aimed at reshaping the landscape of U.S. robotics.

The first, the National Commission on Robotics Act (H.R. 7334), seeks to establish a national commission tasked with evaluating U.S. competitiveness in the robotics sector. This is a significant move considering the long-standing underinvestment and lack of strategic focus on robotics in American policy. If passed, the commission would comprise 18 recognized experts in the field, appointed by bipartisan members of Congress and the president, signaling a serious commitment to bolstering national capabilities in robotics.

The second piece of legislation, the Humanoid Robotics Oversight and Blocking of Obtainment from Totalitarians Act of 2025—or the "Humanoid ROBOT Act of 2025" (S. 3275)—takes a more defensive posture. This bill aims to prohibit the federal government from acquiring humanoid robots with integrated artificial intelligence from foreign entities perceived as threats, particularly military suppliers linked to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. This restriction reflects growing concerns about the risks associated with foreign influence over critical technology, especially in an era where humanoid robots are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

The introduction of these bills comes amidst a crucial period for the robotics industry, as it grapples with rapidly evolving technologies and increasing global competition. The National Commission on Robotics Act would not only assess current capabilities but also recommend actionable strategies for enhancing U.S. leadership in robotics—an area that has often lagged behind other technological sectors.

Lab testing confirms that the U.S. has fallen behind in producing advanced humanoid robots, which often feature high degrees of freedom (DOF) and specialized payload capacities. For instance, Boston Dynamics' Atlas, with its 42 DOF, and Agility Robotics' Cassie, capable of 24 DOF, set a high bar for performance that domestic manufacturers have struggled to meet. A national strategy could address these gaps by facilitating investments in research and development, ultimately resulting in a more robust domestic robotics sector.

In terms of the Humanoid ROBOT Act, it serves as a stark reminder of the geopolitical tensions influencing technological collaboration. By restricting procurement from specific foreign suppliers, the bill aims to safeguard sensitive technologies that could potentially be weaponized or used for surveillance. However, this also raises concerns about the potential for isolationism in technology development. Experts warn that overly restrictive measures could hinder the U.S.'s ability to collaborate with international partners and stifle innovation.

One honest limitation of both pieces of legislation is their reliance on expert recommendations. While the formation of a commission is a step in the right direction, the real challenge lies in translating these recommendations into actionable policies that can navigate the complex landscape of robotics development and deployment. Moreover, as anyone who has worked in robotics knows, the path from concept to deployment is fraught with technical challenges and failures. Incremental progress is often the name of the game, and immediate results should not be expected.

Overall, these legislative efforts could pave the way for a renewed focus on robotics in the U.S., but their ultimate success will depend on sustained commitment and collaboration across the public and private sectors. The stakes are high, as the future of robotics is not just about competition but also about ensuring that technology serves humanity's best interests.

Sources

Bills introduced to strengthen U.S. robotics competitiveness, humanoid security