What the FCC Covered List means for humanoid robot buyers

On July 28, 2026, the FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List, blocking new equipment authorizations for covered devices [1].

What counts as covered

The definition includes ground-moving robots, including humanoids, operating away from an operator or supervisor on commands or sensor data. Combined weight, including any ground or docking station, must exceed 4.4 lb. Required components include environmental sensing, wired or wireless connectivity of at least 200 kbps in either direction, and local or remote control software [1].

Exclusions include connected vehicles, rail-only vehicles, drones, unmanned underwater vehicles, specified FDA-classified medical devices and stationary industrial or medical robots [1].

The FCC FAQ defines foreign-produced by failure to meet the domestic-end-product test: US manufacture and domestic component cost exceeding 65% for 2024–2028 deliveries and 75% from 2029. Off-the-shelf components count; producer nationality is irrelevant [2].

Appendix C cites a Unitree takeover-exploit report as security evidence. That citation does not designate Unitree or establish any individual humanoid's status [1].

Previously authorized models

The FAQ permits continued import, marketing and sale of previously authorized models, and consumers' continued use of lawfully acquired devices [2]. Prior authorization does not itself remove covered devices from the list [3].

Conditional approvals and software updates

Department of War (DoW) conditional approvals exempt specified devices [1]. The September 18, 2026 appendix lists four Husqvarna AB platforms approved September 9 and three ANSCER Robotics platforms approved September 18 [4]. The live table adds Matic Robots' 4MA0001 floor cleaner and 4DK0008 dock, approved October 2 [5]. Approvals without termination dates remain effective subject to onshoring compliance and product vetting [4].

DA 26-789 permits qualifying Class I and II software/firmware updates for covered devices authorized before July 28, 2026, through at least January 1, 2029. These can preserve functionality, patch vulnerabilities or maintain operating-system compatibility; other FCC requirements still apply [3].

What buyers should check

• Match the model to its FCC certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity; the latter has no FCC ID [2].
• Check authorization dates and device-specific conditional approvals [3][5].
• Request compliance information from the seller and consult the current FCC approval table [2][5].

The category listing does not establish a given humanoid's status; check the device criteria and applicable approval records [1][2][5].