National · Technology policy

FCC adds foreign-produced advanced robots to its Covered List

The July 28 action prevents newly covered devices from receiving FCC equipment authorizations, while preserving a conditional-approval path and leaving already-authorized models outside the immediate prohibition.

The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to the agency's Covered List on July 28, 2026 after an Executive Branch interagency body made a national-security determination. Under existing FCC rules, covered equipment cannot receive new equipment authorizations. Devices may be exempted through a Department of War conditional approval.