US does its robotics industry no favours by fencing it off from China

FCC chairman Brendan Carr recently imposed restrictions on foreign-made humanoid robots, quadrupeds, and power inverters, citing cybersecurity and supply-chain risks. The ban affects around 85% of the global humanoid robot market, which is dominated by Chinese manufacturers. Evan Beard, CEO of Standard Bots, hailed the order as one of the strongest technology-security actions in modern American history, but the security case has been questioned.

The order, however, makes an exemption for the federal government, which can continue purchasing the machines deemed too dangerous for ordinary citizens. This creates a situation where Chinese robots may dominate the US market, while American firms struggle to compete. The US has a history of protectionism, such as anti-dumping duties on solar panels in the 2010s, but China now controls over 80% of every stage of global solar panel manufacturing.

The US approach, like China's, has its consequences. In the long run, American robotics may struggle to mature and compete in the global market, while Chinese firms continue to expand and establish themselves worldwide.