America Can Onshore a Robot Without Controlling It

The FCC’s foreign-robot rule addresses a real security problem by controlling where machines are made. That can reduce strategic dependence. It does not yet establish who controls the code, credentials, data, updates and recovery path after the robot enters an American home, factory or critical facility.

On 28 July 2026, the Federal Communications Commission added “foreign-produced advanced robotic devices” to its Covered List. New products within the definition can no longer receive the equipment authorisation normally required for US market entry unless they obtain Conditional Approval from the Department of War. Previously authorised models may remain on sale and existing machines may continue operating. The policy is easy to describe as a ban on risky foreign robots. Its deeper logic is more important. The United States is using manufacturing origin as an administrable proxy for strategic control. That may be justified while Washington reduces dependence on foreign robotics capacit…