FCC Proposes Ban on Import and Sale of Advanced Robotic Devices and Power Inverters

The FCC has proposed a ban on the import and sale of new advanced robotic devices and power inverters, citing significant cybersecurity risks. The ban, if approved, would not affect devices already purchased. According to the FCC notice, "the networked capabilities of advanced robotic systems create extensive vulnerabilities and vectors for attacks that can manipulate the data and physical operation of the advanced robotic system." These devices, the FCC warns, could be exploited by malign actors for surveillance, enhancing foreign intelligence capabilities, or even commandeering the robots remotely. Additionally, the FCC expressed concerns over power inverters, stating their "remote connectivity" introduces "additional vulnerabilities which compound as inverter-based resources proliferate on the US grid". The move reflects heightened concerns over the security of imported technology in the United States.