FCC expands ban to foreign-made robot vacuums
The Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on newly manufactured foreign-made robotic devices, including many robot vacuums, citing national security and supply-chain concerns.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on July 28 that it is prohibiting the import and sale of new foreign-made "advanced robotic devices," a category that includes self-navigating vacuum cleaners. The rule applies to devices that weigh more than 4.4 pounds, can move autonomously, and contain Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, or software that controls navigation.
FCC deputy communications director Will Wiquist confirmed that the ban covers robot vacuums such as Roombas. In a statement, iRobot, the maker of Roomba, said it is working with the agency to understand the rule's implementation and its potential impact on customers.
The agency's definition means most robot vacuums manufactured outside the United States fall under the prohibition. iRobot, originally an American company, was acquired by Shenzhen Picea Robotics, which operates factories in China and Vietnam. Other major brands, including Dyson, Shark, Roborock and Ecovacs, also produce their units abroad. A U.S. company, Matic, offers a domestically made robot vacuum at a higher price point.
The ban targets only newly manufactured units; existing vacuums already in homes are not affected. The FCC said the restriction is intended to address supply-chain vulnerabilities and potential cybersecurity risks that could threaten American infrastructure.