The US government has issued a ban on “advanced robotic devices” produced outside the US, which has been confirmed to include robotic vacuum cleaners.
On Tuesday, the US government officially enacted a ban on “advanced robotic devices” that are “produced in foreign countries.” The FCC advertisement It specifically mentions that these devices are “defined as mobile robots, such as humanoids and quadrupeds,” but includes something much closer to home: your robot vacuum cleaner.
Confirmed to The edgeThe FCC says your robot vacuum cleaner is included in the ban.
Specifically, new Versions of your robot vacuum cleaner such as, for example. with a prior router banCompanies can continue to import and sell existing/approved devices. It’s a blow, since major robotic vacuum brands like Roborock, Ecovacs, Narwal, and many others are based outside of the US (and primarily in China).
Virtually no robot vacuum cleaners will be eligible for an exemption, as 65% of the components, even for devices designed and assembled in the U.S., must be sourced in the U.S. It stands to reason that other robots, such as lawn mowers, would also be included in the ban, as well as other types of robots used in warehouses, deliveries, and more in the United States. That said, The edge notes that exceptions are being made for “autonomous cars and trains, unmanned aircraft and underwater vehicles, surgical robots, wheelchairs and fixed robotic arms for industrial and medical use.”
Your current robot vacuum is safe, as are any other models currently on sale in the US, such as the Roborock Saros 20, Narwal flow 2and Ecovacs X11 We’ve reviewed it in recent months, but anything new has a tremendously uncertain future.
Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Rags, blue skyand instagram
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links that generate income. Further.
