The US has implemented a ban on certain foreign-made robots, extending to countries allied with the United States such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany. This ban targets mobile devices weighing over 4.4 pounds, impacting most robot vacuums but allowing smaller robotic toys. Existing authorized models and previously purchased robots remain unaffected, but new, unauthorized foreign models are prohibited.

Exemptions include trains, drones, underwater vehicles, and road-going connected vehicles like robotaxis. Devices regulated by the FDA, such as medical robots and mobility assistive devices, are also exempt. Fixed or stationary robots, including industrial robot arms, can still be purchased and used by US businesses. The Department of Defense, rebranded as the Department of War under the Trump administration, can also exempt specific foreign-made robots from the ban if deemed non-threatening.

This ban could potentially spur domestic manufacturing. Companies like Agility Robotics, 1X Technologies, and Figure AI are scaling up humanoid robot production in the US. Tesla is also shifting focus towards its Optimus humanoid robot production.