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How Roombas got swept up in a ban on importing robots
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Straight Arrow News
The restrictions, announced Tuesday by the Federal Communications Commission, target the importation of new humanoid and quadruped robots, as well as connected power inverters.
While much attention has been placed on Chinese-produced humanoid robots, The Verge reported Wednesday that robot vacuums are also affected.
The California-based robot vacuum company Matic, for example, does not source the majority of its components from the U.S. and therefore could need a waiver.
Robot vacuums, the vast majority of which are produced in China, have long posed significant security concerns.
In 2024, hackers took control of robot vacuums across the U.S. and used their onboard speakers to shout obscenities and racial slurs.