Bipartisan US Bill Targets Chinese Humanoid Robots Over National Security and Privacy Risks

Senators Schumer and Cotton propose a ban on federal use of Chinese humanoid robots, citing data privacy risks and threats to the US robotics industry in 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 10:10 AM EDT

Source: Reuters

The American Security Robotics Act and Federal Restrictions

On March 26, 2026, a high-profile bipartisan coalition in the U.S. Senate moved to restrict the integration of Chinese-made robotics within the federal infrastructure. The proposed American Security Robotics Act, led by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), specifically targets humanoid robots and unmanned ground vehicles. If passed, the bill would not only ban the procurement of these machines by government agencies but also prohibit the use of federal funds to support their operation. This move represents a significant escalation in the ongoing technological "cold war" between Washington and Beijing, specifically moving the front line into the emerging field of autonomous humanoid systems.

National Security Concerns and Data Sovereignty

The primary strategic rationale behind the bill is the fear that humanoid robots—equipped with sophisticated sensors, cameras, and microphones—could serve as mobile data-collection platforms for the Chinese Communist Party. Lawmakers argue that these machines could potentially transmit sensitive atmospheric or visual data back to foreign servers or be subject to remote hijacking from abroad. Senator Schumer emphasized that Chinese firms are utilizing a familiar "playbook" by attempting to flood the U.S. market with subsidized technology, which he claims presents an existential threat to American research, industry, and individual privacy.

The Competitive Landscape of Humanoid Robotics

The legislative push arrives at a critical juncture for the robotics industry. American companies like Tesla are currently racing against Chinese innovators such as Agibot and Unitree to deploy humanoid robots for industrial and domestic applications. While U.S. firms focus on commercializing units like Tesla's Optimus, Chinese counterparts are scaling rapidly, with both Agibot and Unitree preparing for initial public offerings in China this year. This bill acts as a protectionist barrier, ensuring that the federal government remains a closed market to foreign competitors while the domestic industry attempts to establish technological superiority.