Yesterday, the US government revealed that it is updating its list of banned foreign-made products to now include “advanced robotic devices,” and today an FCC spokesperson confirmed that this also covers robot vacuums.
Robot vacuum ban impacts Roomba, Roborock, and other popular brands-but you can still use yours
Sean Hollister, writing at The Verge:
When the Trump administration announced yesterday that it would be banning “advanced robotic devices” from entering the United States, most headlines focused on humanoid robots. However, spying doesn’t need legs – and neither does the FCC’s robot ban.
The FCC media relations director Katie Gorscak confirms to The Verge that this robot ban will also affect robot vacuum cleaners.
Your existing Roomba is safe for now, and companies can continue importing and selling those already approved. However, the government believes that future foreign robots could pose a national security threat, and even robovac manufacturers are now being urged to consider US production.
The FCC contends that advanced robotic devices present a national security concern. This includes products we might usually view as harmless, like robot vacuums and lawnmowers.
Unless a device is specifically approved or manufactured in the US, it won’t be allowed for sale here.
This ban could significantly impact robot vacuums since leading brands such as Roomba, Roborock, Ecovacs, among others are all based in China.
If you own one of these machines, you can keep using it without any interruptions today. No one from the FCC is coming after your robovac.
However, depending on how this situation unfolds, the market for robot vacuums might experience some dramatic changes soon. If this sounds familiar to you, that’s because it’s similar to the wireless router ban from a few months ago.
Will you keep using your current robot vacuum? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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