If you’ve been thinking about picking up a robot vacuum, an autonomous lawn mower, or even a pool-cleaning bot, you might want to stop procrastinating. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expanding its crackdown on foreign-made robotics, and the proposal goes way beyond DJI drones.
The new rules would target future imports of software-controlled robots built overseas that use cameras or sensors to navigate and operate autonomously. That includes everything from robot vacuums and lawn mowers to pool cleaners, humanoid robots, quadrupeds, and plenty of other smart machines with wireless connectivity.
The good news? Your current Roomba isn’t about to be confiscated. Existing approved models can still be sold, and robots already in people’s homes won’t be affected. The concern is focused on future devices, which U.S. officials argue could pose national security risks. Some foreign robotics manufacturers are even being encouraged to move production to the United States if they want continued access to the market.
There is one silver lining, depending on your point of view: the proposal would also hit the growing army of autonomous delivery robots that companies like Amazon and DoorDash have been eager to unleash on sidewalks. If those little cooler-on-wheels bots get sidelined, it could mean more delivery work stays in human hands instead of being handed off to machines.
So if your dream helper was a robot that vacuums your floors, mows your lawn, and cleans your pool, you may want to order sooner rather than later.
[Via BB]