China has accused the United States of seeking to “suppress” its companies after Washington banned imports of humanoid robots. The move by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will greatly increase the scale of the ban on robots manufactured abroad.
Most humanoid robots sold in the United States are imported, particularly from China, where local companies have raced ahead in the booming sector.
China’s Response
Beijing’s foreign ministry said it “firmly opposed” the FCC decision to add “advanced robotic devices” to the list of banned items on national security grounds. “China has always firmly opposed the US overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular news conference.
Beijing will take “necessary measures” to safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese companies, Mao added. “Protectionism cannot enhance US competitiveness. It will only harm the interests of American companies and consumers.”
Impact on the Industry
Robots of all shapes and sizes are ubiquitous in China, from hotels to shopping centers and factories. Certain types of drones, as well as Chinese companies Huawei and China Telecom, were already on the FCC’s list. The inclusion of “mobile robots” in the ban, which mimic how humans and animals walk by standing on two or four legs, is likely to have significant implications for the development of robotics and artificial intelligence in the US.
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The FCC’s decision was based on findings from a task force convened by the White House, which concluded that foreign-built robots could create “a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure” and “the safety and security” of US residents.
Most humanoid robots in the United States are used for industrial applications in confined spaces, such as automobile factories or storage warehouses.
Broader Implications
It’s possible that this move could lead to increased tensions between the two countries, potentially affecting other areas of trade and commerce. The US and China are already engaged in a trade war, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other’s goods and services.
The US Federal Communications Commission’s decision to ban imports of humanoid robots is a significant development in the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.
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