FCC confirms foreign-robot ban also covers future Roombas and robot lawn mowers

The Federal Communications Commission's new restriction on foreign-produced advanced robots also applies to new robot vacuum cleaners, FCC media relations director Katie Gorscak confirmed to The Verge. The rule does not affect Roombas already in use, and companies may continue importing and selling models that already have FCC authorization. The restriction covers almost any new software-controlled ground robot that weighs more than 4.4 pounds including its dock, can perceive its environment and has wireless connectivity. That definition also reaches robot lawn mowers, sidewalk delivery robots and mobile warehouse robots. The FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List on July 28. Covered equipment cannot receive new FCC equipment authorization unless the Department of War grants conditional approval. The agency said the devices create supply-chain and cybersecurity risks, including surveillance, data collection and remote control.