FCC Adds Advanced Robotic Devices To The Covered List

On July 28, 2026, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau added advanced robotic devices produced in foreign countries to the Covered List (Public Notice, DA 26-786). Advanced robotic devices include autonomous mobile robots, humanoid robots, and quadrupeds.

This action followed a National Security Determination (NSD) by the Executive Branch that foreign-made advanced robots pose unacceptable national security risks. Among other reasons, the Determination cited potential hacking, supply chain risks, and cybersecurity risks.

The FCC’s Covered List identifies communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to US national security. See 47 USC. 1601(a). Equipment included on the list cannot receive a new FCC equipment authorization, which can prevent new models from being imported, marketed, or sold in the United States. See 47 C.F.R. § 2.903(a). Applicants must certify that a device is not on the Covered List. 47 C.F.R. § 2.911(d)(5)(i).