FCC Extends Foreign-Robot Ban to Vacuum Cleaners and Lawn Mowers

The US FCC, citing a White House order, confirms a ban on foreign-made advanced robotic devices that covers robot vacuums and robot lawn mowers over 4.4 pounds, with requirements like obstacle sensing and wireless connectivity; the ban targets new robot models, not existing products already authorized for sale, and allows continued use and updates for those devices through at least January 1, 2029. Exemptions would need sign-off by the Defense Department or Homeland Security, with no major Chinese vendor exemptions granted to date; major Chinese manufacturers such as Roborock, Ecovacs, and Dreame are affected for new models.