FCC Adds Humanoid and Quadruped Robots to Its Covered List

The FCC added advanced robotic devices — humanoids and quadrupeds — plus connected power inverters to its Covered List on July 29, which means new models from covered foreign manufacturers can no longer receive equipment authorization. That authorization is the legal precondition for marketing or importing anything with a radio in it, so the effect is a slow ban rather than a seizure: existing units and already-authorized models are untouched, and federal purchases are exempt. China has shipped an estimated 80–90% of humanoid robots to date. Roboticists warn the wording may also catch European platforms and US firms that manufacture abroad.