The US Threw the First Punch in the Global Robot Wars. How Will China Respond? - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The US is banning humanoid robots from other countries, but almost nobody except the FCC seems completely sold on the decision. The humanoid robot wars are kicking off, but the robots aren’t fighting each other — at least for now. Instead, we’re looking at a war fought on paper by governments competing to dominate a new, fast-growing market in which AI and mechanical bodies meet. On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on robots — including the humanoid and quadruped varieties — originating from companies based outside the US. Such foreign-made products “pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons,” the FCC said. The restrictions will see new robots from foreign countries added to the FCC’s Covered List, unless they’re granted exemptions, but the sale and import of existing models already allowe