American robotics startups say a sweeping US ban on foreign-made robots is squeezing them before a domestic supply chain exists.
The Federal Communications Commission last month added “advanced robotic devices” to its list of products banned for national security reasons. New humanoid robots, quadrupeds and even robot vacuums and lawn mowers must be assembled in the US with at least 65% of components by value produced domestically, a share that rises to 75% in 2029.
The policy is widely seen as targeting China, which dominates robotics manufacturing. Devices already on sale are exempt, and imports used for development rather than sale remain allowed.
Founders say the math does not work yet. “Look at Apple, it’s made in China. How do you expect even more complicated products like robots to be built in America?” asked Anto Patrex of San Francisco’s CosmicBrain AI, which builds delivery and laundry robots. Gemma founder Elizabeth Williams said prototyping with Chinese manufacturers was the only fast path available.
Some companies are already adjusting. CosmicBrain set up assembly in Canada with Chinese components, which would not qualify under the rule. Houston’s Persona AI has been sourcing parts from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Italy, while its commercial chief argued the government should pair the mandate with incentives. “You need to provide the carrot as well as the stick,” he said.
