The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has included advanced robots manufactured abroad on its list of equipment considered a threat to national security. This decision will prevent new humanoids, quadruped robots, and other connected machinery from obtaining the necessary authorization to be marketed in the country, unless granted an exception. Although the measure does not explicitly mention China or name Unitree Robotics, Chinese manufacturers will be the primary affected parties.
The key points of the U.S. ban on foreign robots in 20 seconds
- The FCC will block authorization for new advanced robots produced outside the United States.
- The regulation affects humanoids, quadrupeds, and other connected mobile machines.
- Models approved before 07/28/2026 can continue to be sold.
- Unitree is not explicitly banned, but its future products will require an exception.
- Washington fears espionage, remote access, and industrial dependencies.
The update to the so-called Covered List took effect on July 28, 2026. This registry already included telecom equipment and services associated with manufacturers like Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, and Dahua, as well as complete categories recently added, such as foreign-produced drones.
The scope of this new decision extends beyond specific companies. The FCC has chosen to include an entire category of products: advanced foreign-made robotic devices. The regulator defines this group to include mobile robots such as humanoids and quadrupeds that incorporate sensors, connectivity, and control systems.
Therefore, claiming that the FCC has directly blacklisted Unitree individually is imprecise. The Chinese company has not been singled out in the resolution, but it falls within the scope of the restriction due to manufacturing its robots in China.
What it means for Unitree and other Chinese manufacturers
The measure does not automatically remove all foreign robots already sold in the United States from the market.
Models that previously obtained FCC approval can continue to be marketed, at least as long as the agency does not explicitly revoke that approval. This includes several Unitree devices that already hold U.S. identifiers and certifications for their wireless systems.
The main impact concerns future product launches. A new humanoid, robotic dog, or mobile platform manufactured abroad will not be able to receive the necessary radiofrequency certification to be legally imported and sold in the U.S. through standard procedures.
Manufacturers can apply for a conditional approval. To obtain this, the U.S. Department of Defense must determine that the specific device or category does not pose the security risks that led to its inclusion on the list.
This distinction is significant. The U.S. is not ordering the immediate withdrawal of existing models like Unitree G1, H1, Go2, or others that are already in labs, universities, companies, or homes. The barrier mainly affects the next generation of products.
It also impacts other international manufacturers, although China’s industrial weight concentrates the consequences there. Companies like Unitree, UBTech, AgiBot, and various service robot producers have gained prominence thanks to significantly more affordable machines compared to some Western alternatives.
Unitree has become one of the more visible brands with its quadruped robots Go2 and B2, as well as humanoids G1 and H1. Their platforms are used in research, industrial inspection, software development, education, and commercial demonstrations.
The restriction could limit access for U.S. universities and small businesses to low-cost hardware. It might also benefit domestic manufacturers like Tesla, Figure AI, Agility Robotics, and Boston Dynamics, which would face less foreign competition in their own market.
Why the FCC sees robots as potential threats
American concerns go beyond robots being able to walk, run, or manipulate objects.
Current robots incorporate cameras, microphones, depth sensors, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, navigation systems, and cloud-connected software. Some generate detailed maps of buildings and collect images, sounds, movements, or environmental data.
A security breach could allow access to this information. In the worst case, an attacker might take control of the machine, alter its behavior, or use it as a gateway into a company’s network.
The security risk identified by the FCC mentions the potential for hostile actors to use these systems for surveillance of U.S. citizens, enhancement of foreign intelligence capabilities, or remote control of robots.
This last possibility differs from a connected camera or speaker. A robot combines software, sensors, and physical capabilities. An intrusion could not only expose data but also move the machine within a facility, manipulate objects, or interfere with industrial processes.
The FCC also highlights supply chain risks. Washington fears that heavy reliance on foreign manufacturers could make sectors such as industry, logistics, energy, or defense vulnerable to disruptions, malicious updates, or export restrictions.
This measure is part of a broader policy. The U.S. has already restricted certain Chinese telecom equipment, surveillance cameras, drones, energy components, and technologies related to critical infrastructure.
How vulnerabilities in Unitree raised suspicions
Security concerns about Chinese robots did not emerge solely from the U.S.-China trade tensions.
Throughout 2025, several researchers analyzed Unitree platforms and reported vulnerabilities related to remote connections, credentials, and wireless communications. Some studies described the potential to access robots or compromise multiple units under certain conditions.
Unitree denied that certain functions were intentionally backdoors and claimed to have fixed identified vulnerabilities. The presence of a patched flaw does not by itself prove that the manufacturer was collaborating with espionage activities.
The FCC has not published evidence that all foreign-made robots are being used to gather American information. Its decision is a precautionary measure based on country of manufacture, connectivity, and potential impact.
This approach has faced criticism. Treating entire categories of products as risks does not distinguish between manufacturers with differing security policies, nor does it evaluate models individually before exclusion.
Moreover, the U.S. relies on Asian components and supply chains for part of its own robotics industry. Some American companies also use motors, sensors, batteries, gearboxes, and parts made in China.
Reducing this dependence will require more than just preventing new models from entering. It will need local suppliers, industrial capacity, investment in components, and affordable alternatives.
This is not a total import ban
The FCC operates through its equipment authorization system.
Devices using radiofrequency must obtain certification before import, marketing, or sale in the U.S. By adding a category to the Covered List, the FCC prevents new products from getting that authorization via standard procedures.
This is similar to a trade restriction for future models but includes several exceptions:
- It does not automatically revoke approvals granted before 07/28/2026.
- It does not prevent owning or using a robot already acquired.
- It allows applying for conditional approvals.
- It does not affect all industrial fixed robots.
- It includes exceptions for certain medical devices, vehicles, drones, and other categories regulated separately.
This decision also does not mean that Unitree has immediately disappeared from the U.S. market. Distributors can continue offering already-certified models as long as their approval remains valid and stock is available.
In the medium term, the impact may grow. Robotics companies rapidly update their products, add new wireless modules, and release versions with different sensors or capabilities. Each new model will need to clear the FCC’s barrier.
A new phase in the robotics race
China has prioritized humanoid robotics as part of its industrial focus, with an extensive supply chain of batteries, motors, actuators, electronics, and manufacturing capacity.
The U.S. maintains a strong position in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and software but faces higher production costs and fewer affordable robots. Restricting Chinese competitors could protect domestic industry development but also limit options for American researchers and developers.
Beijing has rejected the measure, calling it a political move under the guise of national security. China’s Ministry of Commerce has demanded its withdrawal and hinted at possible retaliatory actions.
This dispute highlights that robots now face strategic considerations similar to chips, telecom networks, or drones. They are no longer merely showcase machines but can gather information, operate in facilities, work alongside humans, and participate in critical processes.
The FCC’s move aims to prevent these effects from becoming widespread. The immediate result will be a barrier for upcoming Chinese robots. More broadly, it could lead to a fragmented global market divided into regions’ platforms, components, and control systems tied to their manufacturing base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the U.S. banned all Unitree robots?
No. Models that already received FCC approval before 07/28/2026 can continue to be sold. The restriction mainly affects new products or those not yet certified.
Is Unitree listed on the FCC’s blacklist?
The decision covers a whole category of foreign-made robots, not an individual ban on Unitree. The company is affected because it manufactures its devices in China.
Which robots are included in the restriction?
It applies to advanced mobile robotic devices, such as humanoids and quadrupeds equipped with sensors, connectivity, and control systems. There are exceptions for certain categories regulated under other standards.
Why does the U.S. consider these robots dangerous?
The FCC cites risks of remote access, data collection, surveillance, physical manipulation, and reliance on foreign supply chains. The measure is precautionary and does not prove that all affected devices have been used for espionage.
