MassRobotics has released results from a member survey examining how recent U.S. Federal Communications Commission restrictions could affect robotics companies. The Boston-based nonprofit said it collected feedback from 14 businesses, ranging from solo-founder teams to organizations with more than 200 members.
The survey follows the FCC’s July 2026 determination that certain foreign-made advanced robotic devices, including some mobile robots and humanoids, may create supply-chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks. According to the source material, the agency banned new models of such devices, while allowing exceptions for federal procurement and for companies that secure waivers through the U.S. Department of War, or DoW.
The rule applies to ground-based connected robots that weigh more than 4.4 lb. (1.9 kg), use environmental sensors such as lidar or cameras, include connectivity of at least 200 kbps, and depend on navigation and perception software. The FCC also said that 65% of the total cost of a robot’s components must be domestically made for the robot to qualify as U.S.-produced, with that threshold planned to rise to 75% in 2029.
MassRobotics reported that 43% of surveyed companies described the ruling as beneficial or very beneficial, while the same share called it detrimental or very detrimental. Another 14% said they expected no impact. The organization said the pattern closely tracks manufacturing footprint: companies already producing domestically are more likely to see the rule as a competitive advantage, whereas firms with supply chains that depend at least partly on foreign sources tend to view it as a costly disruption.
Open-ended responses pointed to continued dependence on East Asia for components including motors, sensors, power supplies and DC/DC converters, and robot arms. Some companies also raised questions about the DoW’s conditional approval process, which the material says can take four to eight weeks, and expressed concern about possible policy reversals around U.S. midterm elections. In addition, 29% of respondents said they have onshoring plans that have not yet started.
MassRobotics said the most requested support was access to vetted onshoring supply networks. It also argued that industry messaging and assistance should be tailored to companies’ manufacturing footprints rather than framed as a single sector-wide position. For robotics buyers and manufacturers, the findings point to a more rigorous review of bill-of-materials origin, sourcing risk, and the timeline required to reconfigure production.
