US Bans Foreign Humanoids and Solar Inverters Over Security Fears

The regulatory action reflects ongoing tensions regarding technology supply chains, as Beijing currently dominates the global market for these emerging systems. Officials expressed concern that hardware could be leveraged by foreign governments to compromise domestic power grids or conduct espionage. While approximately 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped globally in 2025, the restriction specifically targets the two largest Chinese producers that account for the bulk of that volume.

Solar power inverters, essential for connecting renewable energy to the wider grid, face similar scrutiny. The FCC clarified that the directive does not apply to existing residential installations, focusing instead on future imports. Beijing has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its commercial interests, setting a strained tone ahead of the anticipated state visit by President Xi Jinping to Washington in September. This policy follows a string of previous crackdowns on foreign routers and surveillance equipment linked to companies like Hikvision and Dahua.