Lawmakers Seek to Ban Federal Use of Foreign-Made Robots

Bipartisan bill targets unmanned ground systems from adversary nations like China

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:22pm

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A highly stylized, fragmented painting depicting an abstract robotic form in shades of blue, grey, and black, conveying a sense of technological disruption and national security concerns.As robotics technology advances rapidly, lawmakers seek to limit federal use of foreign-made systems that could pose national security risks.NYC Today

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation to ban federal agencies from using unmanned ground vehicles, including humanoid robots and autonomous patrol technologies, made by companies tied to foreign adversaries like China. The American Security Robotics Act aims to address security concerns about potential backdoors or unauthorized access in these systems that could compromise sensitive data or enable remote control.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation reflects growing concerns in Washington about the national security risks posed by the rapid advancement of robotics technology, especially as China makes major strides in this field. Lawmakers warn that foreign-made robots could enable data breaches or even remote control of government systems, posing a threat to American privacy and security.

The details

The bill would prohibit federal agencies from purchasing, operating or funding the use of 'unmanned ground vehicle systems' made by companies linked to designated foreign adversaries. This includes humanoid robots, remote surveillance bots and other automated ground platforms used in government operations. The operational ban would take effect one year after the law is enacted, with exceptions for national security, research, testing and certain law enforcement or intelligence activities. While the bill does not ban these products for consumers or private companies, it aims to draw a clear line around government adoption where sensitive data and infrastructure are involved.

  • The American Security Robotics Act was recently introduced by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
  • The proposed legislation comes as China rapidly advances in robotics, showcasing new highly capable systems in recent demonstrations.

The players

Tom Cotton

A Republican senator from Arkansas who co-introduced the American Security Robotics Act.

Chuck Schumer

A Democratic senator from New York who co-introduced the American Security Robotics Act.

Elise Stefanik

A Republican representative from New York who is introducing a companion bill in the House.

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What they’re saying

“The Chinese Communist Party has shown that they are willing to lie and cheat to get ahead at the expense of the American people and our national security. They are running their standard playbook, this time in robotics, trying to flood the U.S. market with their technology, which presents real security risks and threats to Americans' privacy and American research and industry.”

— Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

“Robots made by Communist China threaten Americans' privacy and our national security. Our bill will ban the federal government from buying and operating these devices made in countries that wish us harm.”

— Tom Cotton, U.S. Senator

“We must continue to promote and propel America's robotics superiority while safeguarding our privacy and national security from adversaries.”

— Elise Stefanik, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The American Security Robotics Act must now go through the legislative process, with the House companion bill also needing to be considered. If passed, the operational ban on federal use of foreign-made robots would take effect one year after the law is enacted.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects growing concerns in Washington about the national security risks posed by the rapid advancement of robotics technology, especially as China makes major strides in this field. The proposed ban on federal use of foreign-made robots aims to safeguard sensitive government data and infrastructure, but also highlights broader questions about the security and privacy implications of increasingly ubiquitous connected devices.