But the ban also applies to foreign-made robots produced by nominal US allies, including Japan, South Korea and Germany.
Calculation of exceptions
There are a number of exceptions. For example, the new ban defines indoor robots as any mobile device (potentially with a docking station) that weighs more than 4.4 pounds. This will allow US consumers to continue buying small robots as robot toys, even though most robot vacuums weigh more.
FCC ban too covers new models only foreign-made robots. This means that US consumers and businesses can continue to purchase existing robot models previously authorized by the FCC and continue to use previously purchased robots, but are prohibited from purchasing newer, unauthorized models from that point forward.
The agency has made clear that its foreign-made robot ban does not apply to trains. dronesunderwater vehicles and road “related vehicles”, like robotaxis. The FCC has already passed a law a ban on the import of foreign-made drone models In December 2025.
Similarly, it does not include anything classified as a device by the Food and Drug Administration, including medical or surgical robotsmobility aids such as external limb prostheses and wheelchairs.
The FCC ban also specifically exempts fixed or stationary robots. This means that US businesses can continue to buy and use products made abroad industrial robot arms and other specialized, non-mobile robots.
Note that the US Department of Defense may determine that a foreign-made robot or class of such robots does not pose a security risk and thus exempt such robots from the FCC’s Black List. The Department of Defense was rebranded as the War Department under the Trump administration and is referred to as such in FCC filings.
Boosting innovation or protectionist claptrap?
A ban on foreign-made robots could theoretically encourage more US and foreign companies to set up manufacturing facilities in the US. There are already many companies competing to expand their production humanoid robots In US factories, including Agility Robotics, 1X Technologies and Image AI. Tesla is trying to shift production away from older electric car models and into its own model Optimus the humanoid robot.
