US issues first outbound investment fine over Chinese robotics AI deal
The US Treasury on Wednesday announced its first penalty under rules governing American investment in sensitive Chinese technologies, revealing a US$200,000 fine against the parent of Plug and Play Tech Centre for failing to report an investment in a Shanghai robotics AI company. The Treasury said on Wednesday that Amidi, LLC failed to submit a required notification after its Chinese fund…
On Wednesday, the US Treasury announced its first penalty under new rules governing American investment in sensitive Chinese technologies, imposing a $200,000 fine against the parent company of Plug and Play Tech Centre for failing to report an investment in a Shanghai robotics AI firm. Amidi, LLC allegedly missed submitting a required notification when its Chinese subsidiary invested approximately $92,478 in Shanghai Qiongche Intelligent Technology Company Limited, also known as Noematrix, on April 19, 2025.
This penalty, issued in July but announced later, exceeds twice the investment amount, marking the first concrete enforcement case under the Outbound Investment Security Programme. This program, implemented in January 2025, governs certain US investments in Chinese AI, semiconductor, and quantum computing businesses, prohibiting some transactions and requiring notification for others.
The Treasury hadn't classified the investment as prohibited or accused Noematrix of wrongdoing, only noting Amidi's failure to report the transaction. Noematrix specializes in "embodied AI," creating models and software that enable robots to comprehend their environment and execute physical tasks, with applications in logistics, household services, and food processing.
The company has listed Plug and Play China among its investors, alongside others. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the department's dedication to safeguarding US national security through investment security measures, while Assistant Secretary for Investment Security Christopher Pilkerton highlighted the program's role in addressing potential national security risks from technological advancements by countries of concern.
The Treasury found the transaction via regular compliance and market monitoring but did not disclose the penalty calculation method.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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