Key facts
- The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has banned advanced foreign-made robotic devices.
- The ban includes humanoid and four-legged robots, and robot vacuums.
- National security risks are cited as the reason for the U.S. ban.
- China's commerce ministry warned of retaliation against a potential U.S. ban on Chinese robots and power inverters.
- China criticizes U.S. actions as discriminatory and a misuse of national security concepts.
- Chinese robotics firm Geek+ is deploying thousands of autonomous mobile robots in UK warehouses.
- UK retailers like Tesco and Asda are using Geek+ robots.
- The deployment of Chinese robots in the UK aims to boost automation and address productivity challenges.
- The U.S. ban could impact U.S. researchers and consumers.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a ban on advanced foreign-made robotic devices, citing national security risks. This prohibition encompasses a range of robots, including humanoid and four-legged models, as well as robot vacuums, which could affect U.S. researchers and consumers. In response to potential U.S. actions, China's commerce ministry has stated it will retaliate if the U.S. proceeds with a ban on new Chinese robots and power inverters. Beijing has criticized the U.S. actions as discriminatory and a misuse of national security concepts.