American Security Robotics Act of 2026

The American Security Robotics Act of 2026 aims to protect national security by prohibiting federal executive agencies from procuring or operating certain unmanned ground vehicle systems. The bill specifically targets technology manufactured by "foreign entities of concern," with a primary focus on robots produced in countries like China. Proponents of the bill argue that these devices could contain security vulnerabilities or "backdoors" that allow foreign governments to exfiltrate sensitive data or remotely hijack the machines, posing a risk to American privacy and infrastructure.

If enacted, the legislation would establish a timeline for phasing out existing foreign-made robotics within the government. Starting one year after the bill's passage, agencies would be barred from operating these systems even if they were purchased before the ban. The bill covers a wide range of robotic platforms, including autonomous patrol technology, logistics robots, and humanoid systems. While the ban is broad, it does include specific exemptions for research, testing, and training purposes, provided that strict cybersecurity measures are met to prevent data leaks.