The US battle with China over humanoid robots — how close are they to becoming reality?

Published July 30, 2026 6:49pm ET | Updated July 30, 2026 6:50pm ET



The United States implemented a ban on foreign-made “advanced robotic devices” this week, a move that includes barring robot humanoids and quadrupeds produced overseas from entering the country.

The Federal Communications Commission announced on Tuesday that a federal interagency national security group determined the foreign devices “pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons.” However, the determination has angered the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, as China is the world’s largest exporter of humanoid robots.

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