The U.S. Can’t Catch Up to China’s Robots by Banning Them
Rather than learn from its rival, Washington is trying to shut the door.
The 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games took place in Beijing, showcasing China's leading position in the robotics industry. The event featured thousands of robots competing in a variety of challenges, including jumping, running, dancing, and even horseback riding. Chinese robots set records, including matching Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt's 100-meter time.
However, the U.S. has banned the import of advanced robotics devices, requiring them to be assembled in the U.S. with at least 65% U.S.-made parts. This ban is aimed at China, which dominates robotics manufacturing and supplies nearly 90% of all humanoid robots sold in 2025. U.S. manufacturers lack the investment and support needed to meet the demand for robotics components.
The U.S. government may not fully understand China's lead in robotics, as China is facing demographic challenges, such as an aging population, and is automating its factories at a rapid pace. China is also investing in healthcare and elder care robotics, driven by labor shortages in those sectors. The United States is more concerned about military applications of robots, but their effectiveness is limited compared to drones.
China's primary drone competitor is DJI, with some countries, like Ukraine, using Chinese hardware and local ingenuity for military drones. The U.S. might find it more effective to collaborate with allies like Ukraine than to impose a ban on Chinese technologies.
Written by urgent.news from Foreign Policy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
