US targets Chinese robots over security fears

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 

Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com - trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

He said the Chinese government has a track record of prioritizing its own strategic goals over transparency, raising concerns about how that approach could extend into robotics.

The American Security Robotics Act focuses specifically on federal use. The bill targets countries designated as foreign adversaries, including Communist China, according to the lawmakers.

It also blocks federal agencies from using these systems through contractors or funding their use through grants or agreements. Cotton said, "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."

The operational ban would take effect one year after the law is enacted. The bill includes exceptions for national security, research, testing and certain law enforcement or intelligence activities under strict conditions.

The bill does not ban these products outright for consumers or private companies. Instead, it draws a boundary around government adoption where sensitive data and infrastructure are involved. Meanwhile, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is introducing a companion bill in the House, signaling coordinated support across both chambers of Congress.

At the same time, U.S. companies are pushing forward. One example came when a humanoid robot from Figure AI recently appeared at a White House education summit alongside First Lady Melania Trump. She suggested robots like these could eventually play a role in education, hinting at how deeply this technology could integrate into everyday life.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com   

This is not just about robots walking through offices or classrooms. It is about trust. Lawmakers are drawing attention to a question that has followed other technologies before. Who built it, and who might still have access to it after it is deployed? As robotics becomes more common in public spaces, homes and workplaces, those questions will only get louder. The technology is moving fast. Policy is trying to catch up.

Would you feel comfortable interacting with a humanoid robot if you did not know who ultimately controlled its data?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 

Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com - trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.