The July 28 move also targets humanoid and quadruped robots, while sparing previously authorized equipment and potentially raising costs for U.S. data centers and crypto mining operators.
The Federal Communications Commission (U.S. communications regulator) announced import restrictions on July 28 covering newly manufactured Chinese connected power inverters as well as humanoid and quadruped robots, widening Washington’s scrutiny of technology tied to critical infrastructure. The measure does not apply to equipment already authorized for import, limiting immediate disruption to existing U.S. installations. The FCC said the restrictions are aimed at risks including remote foreign access, cyberattacks and data theft. Connected power inverters, while less visible than chips or servers, are key components that link energy sources to data center grids and are also used in renewable energy systems and battery storage. The announcement did not mention cryptocurrencies, blockchain or digital assets, but the move could still matter indirectly for crypto mining because mining facilities rely on the same kind of electrical infrastructure. Higher costs for domestic alternatives or supply bottlenecks could alter the economics of U.S.-based operations, particularly in a sector where post-halving margins can be thin. The decision fits a broader U.S. pattern of restricting Chinese technology linked to sensitive infrastructure, from telecom gear to semiconductor controls. By exempting previously authorized equipment, the administration appears to be trying to avoid an immediate supply shock while giving suppliers time to adjust. As of August 4, 2026, there was minimal additional detail on market reaction, suggesting the development was still being absorbed across the technology and financial sectors.