U.S. federal agencies have been prohibited from purchasing ground-based remote-controlled robots, including humanoid robots manufactured by China and other adversarial nations, according to a bill introduced by American lawmakers. The restriction is reportedly due to national security concerns.
Supporters of the bill argue that they are concerned about these robots' ability to collect sensitive information without detection, transfer information abroad, and be remotely controlled from a distance.
The bill is intended to protect government operations and critical infrastructure from cyber and espionage threats.
The bill would impact federal agencies and, under strict security protocols, grant exemptions and permissions to the military and law enforcement agencies to conduct research and testing activities.
If the bill is enacted, it would become one of the first laws by which the U.S. government specifically prohibits the use of Chinese-made humanoid robots and other ground-based robots.
Ref: Technology Innovation
