The FCC has banned new "foreign-produced advanced robotic devices," citing "unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States." The government asserts that networked robotic systems create vulnerabilities allowing unauthorized control and surveillance.

This ban specifically includes robot vacuum cleaners, as most are manufactured or sold by companies based in China. Even iRobot, formerly an American company, is now owned by a Chinese entity. While existing models can still be sold, new ones require government approval, which necessitates a commitment to U.S. manufacturing.

Future smart vacuums utilizing Matter and compatible with HomeKit, such as those from Roborock and Ecovacs, may be barred from U.S. sale unless their manufacturers relocate production domestically. The ban also extends to new humanoid and quadruped robots, and foreign-made power inverters.