THG News · Policy

FCC Adds Foreign-Made Humanoid and Quadruped Robots to Its Covered List

· Updated

The Federal Communications Commission on July 28, 2026 added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List, a step that blocks new models of foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots from receiving the equipment authorization they need to enter the US market, according to an FCC fact sheet. The same action added connected power inverters to the list.

The FCC said the decision followed national security determinations made by a White House-convened Executive Branch interagency body. The commission's fact sheet describes the covered category as "mobile robots, such as humanoids and quadrupeds."

What the Covered List does

The Covered List contains communications equipment and services "deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security" of the United States, according to the FCC. Equipment on the list is prohibited from getting FCC equipment authorization, which the agency says keeps new devices from entering the US market.

In its fact sheet, the FCC said "the networked capabilities of advanced robotic systems create extensive vulnerabilities and vectors for attacks." The agency said such devices could be used to surveil Americans, to enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in the fact sheet: "I welcome these Executive Branch national security determinations, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign produced advanced robotics and power inverters to the FCC's Covered List."

What changes for buyers and operators

The restriction applies to new models. According to the FCC, the action does not affect a consumer's continued use of devices they previously acquired, and it does not prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import or market models that were approved previously.

There is also a path for new foreign-produced models. The FCC said the Department of War can grant a Conditional Approval to advanced robotic devices it finds do not pose such unacceptable risks, and devices with that approval may then receive FCC authorization. The commission said applications for Conditional Approval are submitted by email to the FCC.

For fleet operators, the FCC's description means robot models that already hold authorization can still be bought and deployed, while new foreign-built humanoid and quadruped models will need Conditional Approval before they can be authorized.

Reaction and early effects

On July 30, 2026 the FCC published a compilation of statements from stakeholders supporting the decision, according to a document posted on the commission's website.

The Associated Press reported in August that the restriction applies to new models from Unitree Robotics, the Hangzhou-based maker of humanoid and quadruped robots. AP said Unitree generates more than 40% of its revenue overseas.

The measure works through the FCC's existing equipment authorization process, which the agency says is the gate that new devices must pass before they can enter the US market.

Sources