U.S. bans new vacuum and mowing robots, Roombas now considered threat to national security

As part of the Trump administration’s so-called "AI Action Plan," the supply chain for robot production is to be relocated to the United States. To encourage manufacturers to produce in the U.S., a new regulation prohibits the import of robots that have not yet been approved, unless a manufacturer obtains an exemption for specific models. These exemptions are primarily intended as a temporary solution for manufacturers who are already working to establish a supply chain in the U.S.

While the focus has primarily been on humanoid and four-legged robots, the FCC has now published a document containing the definition for this robot ban. And this definition is surprisingly broad. According to the regulation, the import of all robots that can move autonomously, are equipped with any sensors, can connect to a network, and weigh more than 4.4 pounds, including any docking stations, is prohibited. This applies to most vacuum and mopping robots as well as robotic lawn mowers, but also to pool and transport robots, and to many robots used in logistics centers and factories.

Robot models that already have FCC certification may continue to be sold, and the functionality of robots already in use will not be affected by this regulation. However, if this robot ban remains in place in its current form, new robot models will no longer be allowed to be imported without special permission, which is likely to result in many robots not being offered at all, or being released in the U.S. significantly later than in the rest of the world.