BEIJING: Beijing accused america on Wednesday (Jul 29) of looking for to “suppress” Chinese language corporations, after Washington banned imports of humanoid and quadruped robots manufactured overseas.
Most humanoid robots bought in america are imported, notably from China, the place native corporations have raced forward within the booming sector.
Beijing’s international ministry mentioned it “firmly opposed” Tuesday’s transfer by the US Federal Communications Fee (FCC) so as to add “superior robotic units” to the listing of banned gadgets on nationwide safety grounds.
“China has at all times firmly opposed the US overstretching the idea of nationwide safety to suppress Chinese language corporations,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning informed a daily information convention.
Beijing will take “needed measures” to safeguard the rights and pursuits of Chinese language corporations, Mao added.
“Protectionism can’t improve US competitiveness. It’s going to solely hurt the pursuits of American corporations and shoppers.”
Robots of all sizes and styles are ubiquitous in China, from resorts to procuring centres and factories.
Sure sorts of drones, in addition to Chinese language corporations Huawei and China Telecom, had been already on the FCC’s listing.
It now additionally contains “cellular robots”, which mimic how people and animals stroll by standing on two or 4 legs.
The FCC’s choice was primarily based on findings from a activity drive convened by the White Home, which concluded that foreign-built robots might create “a cybersecurity danger that threatens the safety of vital infrastructure” and “the protection and safety” of US residents.
Most humanoid robots in america are used for industrial purposes in confined areas, resembling car factories or storage warehouses.

