The FCC Is Coming for Chinese Robots

A NOTE FROM THE PRODUCER

Tamara Sepper is the Executive Producer of The Long Game.

The Trump administration is banning foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters from the U.S. market. The rule applies globally, but the real target is China. And the agency behind it is the FCC—better known lately for its fight with Jimmy Kimmel.

The concern: connected foreign technology could collect sensitive data, disrupt critical infrastructure, or be adapted for military use.

In this special segment for paid subscribers, Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer tackle the bigger questions:

• Where is the line? If nearly every device is now a sensor, what separates a humanoid robot from a toaster?

• Do import bans work? Chinese EVs are shut out of the U.S. market but spreading worldwide. Can restrictions buy time without replacing the need to build competitive American industries?

• Who is ahead? What does the rule reveal about the U.S.–China race to apply AI to the physical world?

If you’re a paid subscriber, thank you for supporting the show. Watch the episode and share your thoughts and questions by commenting below or email Jake and Jon at longgame@voxmedia.com.

And if you’re not yet a paid subscriber, now is a great time to join. You’ll get access to exclusive podcast segments like this one, recommendations from Jake and Jon, and other exclusive subscriber-only content.