From Dreame to Roborock: US Bans Import of Popular Robotic Vacuums
The US administration has updated its blacklist to include "advanced robotic devices" manufactured abroad, effectively banning the import of most robotic vacuum cleaners, including brands like Roborock and Dreame, citing national security concerns.
Photo: DJI
If you follow Geektime, you know that one of our favorite gadget categories is robotic vacuum-mop cleaners. After all, anything that simplifies our daily chores is highly valued. However, this category is now entering the United States' blacklist, which will indirectly affect devices sold in Israel.
Ban on Foreign Robotics Imports
On Wednesday, the Donald Trump administration announced an update to its blacklist, adding a category for "advanced robotic devices" manufactured in foreign countries. While the administration does not explicitly name countries, it is clear that this update is aimed primarily at China, which has shown impressive progress in robotics in recent years.
Although initial global headlines focused on the ban on humanoid robots, the FCC's announcement covers any "mobile robot." The administration claims these devices could be used for espionage due to their cameras, microphones, and advanced mapping capabilities.
An FCC spokesperson confirmed to TheVerge that the blacklist includes robotic vacuums. The new order applies to virtually any software-controlled robot capable of autonomous movement, weighing over 2 kilograms (including the docking station), and supporting wireless connectivity. Most modern robotic vacuums fall under these definitions.
The order also extends to robotic lawnmowers, delivery robots, and warehouse robots. Even iRobot, the company behind Roomba, will no longer be able to import its new models, as it was recently acquired by a Chinese corporation and is no longer defined as an American company.
Market Impact
It is important to note that the FCC does not prohibit the use of existing robots or those that have already received FCC approval. There will be no house-to-house inspections to seize devices. However, from this point forward, robots not manufactured in the United States will no longer be allowed for import.
The DJI Factor
One of the catalysts for this drastic move appears to be an incident involving DJI. While the company is not mentioned by name in FCC documents, the justification for the national security threat references a Guardian article. It describes a case where a user of the DJI Romo, using a PlayStation 5 controller and reverse engineering, managed to take control of thousands of DJI vacuums worldwide, accessing live camera feeds and microphones.
Companies like Roborock, Dreame, Ecovacs, Narwal, and Xiaomi must now submit special requests for FCC approval, which will likely require a commitment to manufacturing in the United States. Currently, the only excluded robots are those in the medical field, robotic wheelchairs, robotic arms, and, in some capacity, autonomous vehicles, trains, and UAVs.
