Trump Declares a New War: On Robot Vacuums, Popular in Israel Too

The Trump administration has updated the "blacklist" of Chinese goods, banning the import of robotic devices with cameras and wireless connectivity, including robot vacuums. The ban covers brands Roborock, Dreame, and Xiaomi. Exceptions include autonomous vehicles, drones, and surgical robots. Manufacturers will have to move production to the US.

The Donald Trump administration has announced an update to the "blacklist" of goods manufactured in China, banning the import of robotic devices equipped with cameras and wireless connectivity. The list includes home robot vacuums, popular in Israel, particularly brands Roborock, Dreame, and Xiaomi. The ban does not apply to already imported products that have received FCC approval. An FCC representative confirmed that the restrictions apply to new robots weighing over 2 kg that are capable of recording and mapping spaces. Robotic lawnmowers, delivery robots, and packaging robots are also banned. The justification is security vulnerabilities: attackers have gained access to cameras and microphones of Roborock and DJI robots. All five largest market manufacturers are Chinese companies. American iRobot (Roomba) went bankrupt and is now owned by a Chinese firm. Exceptions: autonomous vehicles, drones, underwater vehicles, surgical robots, wheelchairs, and industrial manipulators. Manufacturers wishing to sell in the US will have to move production to America.