Manufacturers Will Require “Conditional Approval” Exemption for mowers, inverters and other products for “national security” reasons.
On July 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) placed a forward-looking ban on new imports of foreign-made “advanced robotic devices” and connected power inverters, citing unacceptable national security risks. Led by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, this regulatory action reflects the Trump White House’s AI Action Plan and its push to secure the U.S. technology infrastructure.
While headlines have focused on quadruped robot dogs and household robotic Roomba-style vacuums, our focus at In Power is on the growing market of residential and commercial robotic mowers.
In a paper titled “National Security Determination on the Threat Posed by Foreign-Produced Advanced Robotic Devices,” dated July 27, the FCC concluded, “The U.S. government has a clear and compelling national security concern that foreign-produced advanced robotic devices could be weaponized to directly harm U.S. national security and U.S. persons. As a result, a White House convened executive branch interagency body determined that all foreign-produced advanced robotic devices pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”
The paper cited technology including Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), tactile, acoustic, and thermal sensors that collect and maintain sensitive data on their surroundings. “Advanced robotic devices collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots,” wrote the FCC.
In a public notice, the FCC wrote, “As a result of the threats described in the National Security Determination, the Executive Branch interagency body determined that advanced robotic devices produced in foreign countries presented the following unacceptable risks: (1) “posing a supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security”; and (2) “creating a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure and thus the safety and security of U.S. persons.”
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) said it “will continue to monitor any developments and will host a member discussion on August 11 regarding a possible industry response and any blanket waiver opportunities.”
The following outdoor power equipment manufacturers and marketers of robotic mowers could be impacted:
- Mammotion
- Ecovacs
- Eufy (Anker)
- Segway Navimow
- Positec and its Worx Landroid and Kress brands
- Sunseeker
- Husqvarna
- Yarbo
- Greenworks
- DAYE
- And others
Positec, manufacturer of Kress and Worx robotics mowers, provided In Power with the following statement:
“We are closely following the FCC’s newly announced guidance regarding robotic technologies and remain committed to meeting all applicable U.S. regulatory requirements. All of our robotic mower models currently meet the FCC’s requirements and will continue to be available for sale and use in the United States. As the regulatory landscape evolves, we intend to apply for Conditional Approval under the FCC’s new framework, allowing us to continue introducing innovative robotic mower models while maintaining full compliance with applicable regulations. Innovation, safety, and customer confidence remain at the core of everything we do. We will continue working closely with regulators to ensure our products meet the highest standards while delivering the technology and performance our customers expect.”
Husqvarna also provided In Power with a statement, saying,
“Husqvarna is aware of the FCC’s decision regarding certain imported advanced robotics devices. We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations in the markets where we operate. The FCC’s recent decision does not affect our current portfolio of robotic mowers authorized for sale and use in the United States. We continue to serve customers across the U.S. market and provide the same level of support, service, and innovation that customers expect from Husqvarna.”
While Positec’s statement said the manufacturer does “intend to apply for Conditional Approval,” the Husqvarna statement simply said it is watching the matter and that it doesn’t currently impact their products.
Companies need to submit applications for Conditional Approval to the FCC and the FCC forwards the submission to Department of Defense (War) for evaluation. The application needs to include information about materials, country of origin for every component, manufacturing and design details, software development, foreign-government relationships, and more. Applicants are also encouraged to lay out a U.S. manufacturing commitment, which would likely ease approval.
A “Conditional Approval” process for each product category will require applicants to submit extensive ownership, bill-of-materials, supply-chain, software and firmware, and US manufacturing information (or plan) by January 1, 2028.
We found a couple more company statements, including one from EcoVacs, which markets robotic vacuums and mowers
EcoVacs said it is “aware of the FCC’s action and closely monitoring the latest developments,” stated there’s no impact on existing U.S. customers or already-authorized products, and said it will “assess any potential implications and pursue opportunities to continue serving the U.S. market in compliance with applicable regulations.”
Eufy said it’s “aware of the FCC’s recent update” and that, based on its current understanding, the rule doesn’t affect continued availability, use, or support of products already sold in the states. Anker Innovations, parent of Eufy, is one manufacturer that could be heavily impacted by this regulation. The company markets a wide range of affected products.
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