Kathmandu. The United States has announced a ban on the import of foreign robots and power inverters used in solar power projects.

The ban was imposed citing concerns that the technology could pose cybersecurity risks and threaten critical U.S. infrastructure by enabling espionage to carry out illicit operations.

The new restrictive measures announced by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expand the Trump administration’s efforts to tighten restrictions on foreign technology, following recent actions targeting imported drones and wireless routers.

According to the announcement, the ban will include advanced mobile robots, which help connect solar power installations to the electricity grid.

The move aligns with two key priorities of President Donald Trump’s second term and will address national security concerns dominated by Chinese manufacturers by countering China’s growing influence in artificial intelligence (AI). “Following President Trump’s lead, the FCC will continue its role to secure America’s critical supply chains, and with timely actions, the FCC has coordinated with U.S. national security agencies as needed,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement.

An interagency review by the Trump administration said the technologies could pose risks to U.S. supply chains, from exposing cyber vulnerabilities to surveillance of Americans.

As part of the decision, the FCC updated the list of devices and services that are considered a national security risk. It precludes authorization of affected devices and prevents newly specified devices from being used in the United States.

The FCC has clarified that the restrictions will only apply to newer models of advanced robots and power inverters. It has also said that the existing official models will not be affected. This will allow consumers and businesses to continue to use organized tools while enabling retailers to sell products that have already been approved. These measures will also not affect the federal government’s existing procurement or use of such equipment.

The Trump administration has also instituted waivers similar to those introduced for foreign-made drones and wireless routers. Manufacturers of advanced robots and power inverters can seek conditional approval for new products through the FCC application process.

In documents released alongside the announcement, the FCC detailed its assessment of the security risks posed by advanced robotics. The network capabilities of advanced robotic systems can manipulate the data and physical operations of advanced robotic systems, creating widespread vulnerabilities and new measures for attacks, the FCC said.

By presenting vulnerabilities in supply chains and cybersecurity, advanced robotic tools can collect data to survey Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign services, or remotely command robots.