The US distributor of China's Unitree humanoid robots, Robo Store, has pivoted to domestic manufacturing after the FCC banned imports of foreign-made robots in July. The ban, justified on national security grounds, followed legislative efforts including the American Security Robotics Act in the Senate and the GUARD Act in the House.

Robo Store shut down its distribution business while pledging ongoing support for existing customers. Under the new Robo Inc. banner, the team is developing several robotic products: a wheeled humanoid torso for healthcare and concierge services equipped with cameras and sensors to measure vital signs; a specialized quadruped for security; and a humanoid platform for educators and researchers.

"Universities are looking for a US-compliant product," said Haggerty, noting the company's experience as the largest education robotics distributor. Engineers have used 3D printing for prototypes now being tested by customers, with commercial production targeted for early 2027 from a new dedicated facility.

After years as a bootstrapped business, Robo Inc. is pursuing its first major funding round. "We've reached out to all these customers, and we have an incredible interest now," Haggerty said. "It definitely helps, 100 percent."