U.S. FCC rules tighten, cleaning-robot makers pivot to Europe

On July 28, 2026, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission added "advanced robotics equipment produced abroad" to a controlled list, according to a November 5, 2026 report by Leiphone. The order did not name specific products, but under its definition — equipment that can move autonomously, carries sensors, connects to the network, and uses navigation software — robot vacuums, wireless robotic lawnmowers, and wireless pool robots all fall within scope. The rules draw a line between old and new models: previously authorized models may keep selling, with exemptions for safety software updates running at least until January 1, 2029. New models in principle cannot obtain equipment authorization unless they win conditional approval from the Department of Defense or meet localization requirements — U.S. and designated-source component cost share must exceed 65% from 2024 through 2028, rising to 75% from 2029.

On September 9, 2026, the first conditional approval went to the Swedish company Husqvarna, whose Automower robotic lawnmowers were cleared for U.S. entry. With North America tightening, manufacturers turned their attention to Europe, but new trade barriers are emerging there too. On the evening of October 21, 2026, the European Commission in Brussels circulated a pre-final-disclosure document to stakeholders in its anti-dumping investigation into robotic lawnmowers originating in China, proposing a 45.6% duty. The report quotes Zhou Ming, a sensor company executive, saying one leading smart hardware firm now responds to North America with the words, "We're not doing the North American market. Old products keep selling; there will be no new products." He added that several leading cleaning appliance makers are shifting their new-product plans toward Europe and Australia. No timetable was given for completing those shifts.