The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has added foreign-made advanced mobile robots — including robot vacuums — to its Covered List of communications equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security1,3. The ban, effective immediately, blocks new models from receiving FCC authorization to be sold in the United States but does not affect devices already on the market or in consumers' homes.
The FCC's Covered List derives from Section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 and catalogs equipment and services that the agency considers threats to U.S. national security or the safety of U.S. persons. Humanoid and quadruped robots are specifically named in the updated list, but the agency's definition of "advanced robotic device" is broad enough to encompass robot vacuums, as an FCC spokesperson confirmed to The Verge2.
The agency cited the networked capabilities of advanced robotic systems as creating "extensive vulnerabilities and vectors for attacks that can manipulate the data and physical operation of the advanced robotic system". The FCC said reliance on foreign-made advanced robotic devices leaves Americans vulnerable because such devices can collect data to surveil citizens, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or be remotely commandeered.
The regulation applies to robots classified as autonomous electronic devices with built-in sensors and smart mapping technology. Navigation for these devices can be powered by firmware, AI models, or sensors.
Retailers may continue to sell, import, and market models that have already received FCC approval. New models from foreign manufacturers, however, will need a waiver to launch in the U.S. market. The practical impact falls heavily on premium robot vacuum brands that ship new flagships annually. Roborock and Dreame, both of which release frequent new models, are among the most exposed brands. Top manufacturers selling robotic vacuums in the U.S. include iRobot, SharkNinja, Dyson, Samsung, and LG, and many leading models are produced in China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
iRobot, now owned by Shenzhen Picea Robotics and Santrum Hong Kong, said it is aware of the FCC's recent action and is "working with the FCC to better understand its implementation and potential impact".
The FCC has taken similar action in recent months by banning consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries, citing their involvement in the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon cyberattacks targeting vital U.S. infrastructure. That router ban likewise did not affect previously purchased devices.
ANALYSIS The robot vacuum ban represents a significant expansion of the FCC's Covered List beyond traditional networking equipment into consumer robotics — a category where foreign manufacturers dominate the U.S. market. The waiver requirement for new models could slow product launches and reshape competitive dynamics for brands that depend on rapid annual refresh cycles.