China’s growing dominance of the global humanoid robot industry is facing fresh pressure after the United States (US) moved to restrict access to foreign-made robots, citing concerns over national security and dependence on overseas technology.
The latest move by Washington comes as competition between the two economic powers increasingly extends beyond artificial intelligence (AI) into advanced robotics and other emerging technologies. The restrictions also underline growing US concerns over the rapid progress made by China in high-tech industries.
The administration of US President Donald Trump last month blocked the entry of new robots manufactured by foreign companies, claiming the technology could pose a significant security threat. However, the measure does not apply to robot models that are already in use.
The new restrictions form part of Washington’s wider efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and safeguard its supply chains as its technological rivalry with Beijing becomes increasingly intense. Analysts say the battle is no longer limited to AI software, with robotics emerging as another major area of strategic competition.
Although China continues to trail the US in the development of the most advanced AI models, its rapid progress in consumer-focused AI applications and smart hardware has attracted increasing attention from Washington and Silicon Valley.
Analysts believe Beijing is gaining an advantage in areas such as AI-powered applications and intelligent machines, particularly humanoid robots. This progress has been supported by China’s vast manufacturing base and its ability to turn technological innovations into commercially viable products at speed.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), meanwhile, has warned that internet-connected robotic devices could create vulnerabilities within supply chains and potentially threaten economic security as well as critical infrastructure.
A national security assessment conducted by an inter-agency body established by the White House reportedly raised concerns that connected robots could pose privacy and cybersecurity risks. The assessment warned that data collected by such devices could potentially be exploited by malicious actors.
According to the assessment, the information gathered by robots could be used to monitor Americans, strengthen the capabilities of foreign intelligence services or allow the machines to be remotely controlled. Similar national security arguments have previously been used by US officials when imposing restrictions on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs).
Despite the pressure from Washington, China’s humanoid robotics sector has expanded rapidly and has emerged as one of the country’s most promising strategic industries. Beijing is now home to more than 140 humanoid robot manufacturers, with the country’s supply chain continuing to strengthen.
China’s growing manufacturing capabilities have also translated into a dominant position in the global market. Chinese companies accounted for around 90 per cent of global humanoid robot shipments last year, while major competitors including Tesla and Figure AI continue to face difficulties in achieving large-scale production.
With investment and manufacturing capabilities continuing to grow, China’s lead in humanoid robotics is expected to remain a major point of contention between Beijing and Washington. The latest US restrictions could therefore mark another chapter in an increasingly intense technology race between the world’s two largest economies.
