The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has imposed a ban on new foreign-made robotic devices, a move that notably includes robot vacuums such as the Roomba. This update to the FCC's Covered List, announced last week, adds two new categories of devices, including "advanced robotic devices" defined as mobile robots like humanoids and quadrupeds.
The ban stems from the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, which directs the FCC to maintain a list of communications equipment or services from companies that pose a national security risk to U.S. communications networks. The National Security Determination cited by the FCC extends the ban to any automated software-controlled devices weighing more than 4.4 pounds that are capable of locomotion, obstacle avoidance, navigation, or movement on the ground.
While the ban does not apply to devices already on the market and allows for government exemptions if devices are deemed not to pose unacceptable risks, critics argue the policy appears arbitrary despite its national security rationale.
This development follows regulatory challenges that nearly ended iRobot, the Massachusetts-based maker of the Roomba robot vacuum. Amazon announced in 2022 its acquisition of iRobot, a transaction opposed by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D–Mass.) and five other lawmakers who urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to block the deal, warning it could harm consumers and stifle competition and innovation in the home robotics market. The European Commission also raised concerns that Amazon's dominant online marketplace could disadvantage iRobot's rivals.
Additionally, iRobot reported in a bankruptcy filing that tariffs on goods from Vietnam, where most of its products are manufactured, increased its costs by $23 million in 2025.
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