A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rejected requests to extend the comment period for a proposal that may limit the importation and marketing of specific foreign-produced drones and components. Comments are due by September 2, 2026, regarding a proposal from July 21 that addresses forei...
On August 5, 2026, China announced retaliatory measures against the United States, including sanctions on a testing laboratory. This move signifies a new escalation in trade tensions between the two nations, occurring just ahead of a highly anticipated meeting between their top leaders next month....
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing its most extensive restrictions on foreign drone sales to date, which includes a potential ban on the commercial import and sale of specific foreign-made drones. This initiative aims to strengthen the US drone supply chain by extending exempti...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new regulations aimed at enhancing transparency in online drone sales. Under the proposed rules, e-commerce platforms like Amazon would be required to display FCC certification IDs for wireless devices, including drones and their components. T...
A recent case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit could clarify the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority regarding previously approved equipment. The case, Hikvision USA, Inc. v. FCC, challenges a 2025 FCC order related to the agency's Covered List, which may impact...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has imposed restrictions on foreign-produced robots, raising concerns about data control and security. This move is expected to accelerate the shift towards on-premises AI architectures, as companies seek to maintain control over sensitive data processing...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted an exemption from its Covered List for Dronus S.p.A.'s K500L Uncrewed Aircraft System and Nest V2 docking station. This decision, announced on October 2, 2026, highlights the effectiveness of the FCC's Conditional Approval process for UAS manuf...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted a temporary waiver to support the US Department of Transportation's Mobile Network Aviation Assessment Program (MNAAP). This initiative aims to test the viability of using commercial wireless networks to enhance aviation safety and security for...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has eliminated a regulatory barrier to facilitate nationwide testing of commercial wireless networks on drones and general aviation aircraft. This order, effective September 11, supports the Department of Transportation's Mobile Network Aviation Assessment...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering regulations that could impact the U.S. drone light show industry, particularly affecting Skyworx Drone Shows. The proposed definition of 'military-grade' unmanned aircraft may inadvertently include specialized drones used for aerial entertai...
DJI has voiced strong opposition to the FCC's proposed ban on certain drone imports, which could impact popular models like the Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S. The proposal aims to restrict foreign-made drones classified as 'military-grade,' raising concerns about the classification of technologies commonly...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has concluded the comment period for its proposal that may limit the import and sale of specific foreign-produced drones. An analysis by Pilot Institute revealed that out of 3,824 public comments, 3,770, or approximately 98.6%, opposed the proposal, highli...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a rulemaking process that may require drone manufacturers to disclose comprehensive details about their hardware and software. This proposal, published on August 7, is part of the FCC's Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and aims to...
HoverAir has introduced the Versa, a device that claims to circumvent the FCC's drone ban by presenting itself as a mini steadycam with detachable propellers. This innovative approach comes after the U.S. government imposed a ban on foreign drones in December 2025, impacting HoverAir's previous mode...
A federal lawsuit has been filed by Michigan photojournalist Ray Rocha against Bay County Sheriff Troy Cunningham and Deputy Chris Berg, challenging restrictions on drone flights near police operations. The suit, initiated on August 9, 2024, stems from an incident in November 2024 where Rocha was op...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revoked equipment authorizations for a drone and remote controller from Odyssey Robot LLC due to false statements regarding production and compliance with FCC Covered List rules. The revocation, effective immediately, applies to an uncrewed aircraft sy...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is contemplating restrictions on foreign-made drones, including popular models like the DJI Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S. This proposal could lead to the removal of these consumer drones from U.S. shelves due to their inclusion of technologies deemed 'military-gr...
DJI has issued a warning to U.S. drone operators regarding a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposal that could have far-reaching implications for commercial drones. The proposal, which targets certain foreign-made 'military-grade' drones, may inadvertently encompass a range of commercial p...
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new regulations that could effectively ban the sale of foreign-made agricultural spray drones, according to DJI. This move follows a December 2025 ruling that blocks new foreign models and components, significantly impacting the agricultura...
On July 21, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it is seeking public comment on potential restrictions regarding the importation and sale of foreign-produced 'military-grade' drones. Among the proposed categories is one that could significantly affect agriculture: aerosol drones ca...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added Exedy Globalparts Corporation’s Ayre CX and Parallel Flight Technologies’ Firefly UAS to its list of exempt uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). This update, released on July 24, introduces new policy language that indicates a shift in how the U.S. g...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted Conditional Approval to two additional drone systems: Exedy Globalparts Corporation’s Ayre CX and Parallel Flight Technologies’ Firefly. This decision increases the total number of drone companies receiving individual exemptions to 17, indicati...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is advancing its initiative to reform the U.S. drone market by seeking public input on a proposed ban on the import, marketing, or sale of specific categories of foreign-produced military-grade drones listed on its Covered List. This move follows a previou...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed fines of $25,000 against eight drone companies for allegedly failing to respond to inquiries regarding national security. The companies, including Cogito Tech Company Limited and Fikaxo Technology Inc., are under scrutiny for potentially marke...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new regulations aimed at increasing transparency in online drone sales. The rules would require e-commerce platforms to display FCC certification IDs for wireless devices, including drones and their components, addressing a loophole that has a...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a crackdown on eight companies suspected of facilitating DJI's circumvention of the US foreign drone ban. Each company, including Cogito Tech and Xtra Technology, has been fined $25,000 for failing to respond to FCC inquiries regarding their...
MassRobotics conducted a survey among its members regarding the FCC's ban on foreign-made advanced robotic devices, which was announced in July 2026. The ban targets ground-based robots over 4.4 lb. that utilize environmental sensors and connectivity, with a requirement for 65% of components to be d...
In July and August, the U.S. government implemented stricter regulations on foreign-made advanced robotic systems and imposed significant tariffs on imported drones and their components, citing national security concerns. These tariffs, effective from September, are part of a broader initiative to l...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted a ban on the importation of foreign-produced advanced robotic devices and connected power inverters. This policy, effective immediately for unreleased models, aims to protect the U.S. AI sector from risks associated with supply chain vulnerabil...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated its first effort to revoke equipment approvals for Odyssey Robot, a drone company accused of falsely claiming its products were manufactured in the United States. This action follows allegations from independent security researcher Konrad Itu...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at prohibiting the importation and marketing of products from nine companies linked to restricted drone manufacturers. This move is part of the FCC's ongoing efforts to prevent foreign drone products from...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently granted conditional approval to two more drone platforms, marking a continued expansion of exemptions from its Covered List restrictions on foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). This decision comes six months after the agency began...
China's recent decision to impose export controls on Red Cat Holdings and its subsidiary, Teal Drones, has raised concerns within the U.S. drone manufacturing sector. While the immediate effects on production may be minimal, this action highlights the pressing need for American manufacturers to thor...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced updates regarding drone operations during the FIFA World Cup 2026, clarifying that both Part 107 and Part 135 operators can now seek approval for flights within restricted airspace. This decision comes as part of the FAA's efforts to streamline...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has broadened the scope of its exemptions regarding foreign-drone import restrictions, allowing more aircraft to bypass these regulations. This decision reflects the agency's willingness to make specific exceptions amid ongoing efforts to tighten controls...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revised its Covered List by removing a specific category of foreign-manufactured toy drones and those containing foreign components. This decision, announced following a National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) report, aims to...
DJI has escalated its efforts against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by presenting a formal cybersecurity assessment to the agency's leadership. This independent evaluation, conducted by experts, concluded that there is no substantial evidence to support the security concerns that have...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted conditional approval for the VEX AIR uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) through December 2026, marking a significant step in the ongoing evaluation of individual drone products outside the broader Covered List restrictions. This decision reflects t...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently categorized nearly all foreign-produced drones as part of its national security “Covered List,” raising concerns among drone pilots about the future of the industry. However, contrary to initial fears, new developments suggest that the situati...
DJI users are advocating for a reconsideration of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent decision to ban foreign-made drones, emphasizing the need for a transition strategy that safeguards national interests while also supporting American small businesses. This call to action comes ami...
The ongoing debate in Washington regarding Chinese drones has evolved beyond a national security issue confined to congressional hearings, now affecting the lives of thousands of Americans. This controversy touches various sectors, including employment, emergency response, agricultural operations, p...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has expanded its list of conditionally approved drone systems, recently granting exemptions to additional uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and related components. This decision includes the addition of Blueflite, Verity, and Air VEV to the agency's Covered...
Chinese drone manufacturers are facing a significant decline in shipments due to new domestic regulations and a ban on imports in the United States. This downturn has particularly impacted industry leader DJI, prompting the company to pivot towards alternative markets such as action cameras. The res...
Autel Robotics has expressed concerns regarding the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) regulatory approach, arguing that the agency is unjustly categorizing its drones alongside those of competitor DJI. The company contends that there has been no evidence presented by regulators to suggest th...
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has expanded its list of foreign-made drone systems that are conditionally approved and exempt from its extensive Covered List restrictions. This update, announced in a Public Notice on May 15, 2026, reflects ongoing efforts by federal agencies to navigate...
Concerns regarding the national security implications of drones manufactured by DJI and Autel Robotics have been raised, prompting discussions among lawmakers and security experts. Despite these apprehensions, thousands of these drones continue to operate across the United States daily. The ongoing...
FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty has publicly defended the agency's recent decision to expand its "Covered List," which identifies equipment deemed unsecure, to include foreign-manufactured drones and essential drone components. This move comes as new foreign-made drones, particularly from brands like...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at establishing a formal process for restricting drone flights near critical infrastructure facilities. This initiative, which aligns with Section 2209 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act o...
American drone users are facing a critical deadline to voice their opinions in a significant policy debate regarding drone regulations in the United States. As discussions intensify, stakeholders are urged to participate in shaping the future of drone usage. This policy battle, considered one of the...
DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, has raised concerns among its American customers regarding the availability of future products. In a recent court filing, the company revealed that 25 planned drone models may not reach the U.S. market by 2026 due to regulatory hurdles related to Federal Communicat...
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