Industry Briefing

A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.

Live
Updated Sep 21, 2026
Latest 43 stories · all channels

3–6 hours1

Over 12 hours42

FCC Includes Pentagon Letters in DJI and Autel Drone Ban Proceedings

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has incorporated previously submitted letters from the Department of War into its official records regarding drone manufacturers DJI and Autel Robotics. However, the FCC clarified that these letters did not influence its recent updates to the Covered List,...

Dronedj.com General

HoverAir Versa Explores Loophole in FCC's Drone Ban with New Design

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...

TheVerge.com General

FCC Considers Ban on DJI Drones Already Approved for Sale in the U.S.

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...

Dronedj.com General

China Responds to US FCC Bans with Sanctions and Drone Restrictions

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....

Nikkei.com AP News

HoverAir's Versa Drone Faces US Shipping Ban Just Days After Launch

HoverAir's Versa, a modular drone that transforms from a camera with snap-on wings, has halted US orders shortly after its Indiegogo launch. The company announced that it can only ship the camera component due to unresolved logistics with the Flight Kit, which may indicate a federal ban. The FCC's d...

TheVerge.com General

Seattle Stadium “No-Drone Zone” During FIFA Matches

Federal officials have issued a warning to drone operators to refrain from flying their devices near Lumen Field, which will temporarily be referred to as Seattle Stadium, as it prepares to host six matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 over the coming weeks. The advisory aims to ensure the safety and...

Dronelife.com General

FCC swamped with angry pleas over DJI, Autel drone ban

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...

Dronedj.com General

China drone maker DJI turns to independent audit in fight against US ban

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI is facing a potential loss of $1.5 billion in sales this year due to a U.S. ban on foreign-made drones. In response to these challenges, DJI commissioned an independent audit conducted by a U.S.-based cybersecurity firm, which concluded that two of its drone models did...

Nikkei.com AP News

Chinese drone shipments nose-dive on domestic restrictions, US ban

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...

Nikkei.com AP News

Autel fights FCC drone ban, denies China data access claims

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...

Dronedj.com General

Urban UAV Operations Need More than Drones

Cloud Century has successfully established over 200 drone docks across China, gaining valuable insights into the requirements for urban drone operations. In a recent commentary, Meng Xu from Cloud Century emphasized that the future of the low-altitude economy hinges on the development of robust infr...

Dronelife.com General

FCC’s DJI, Autel ban ignores how drones actually work

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...

Dronedj.com General

FCC’s DJI drone ban review now depends on public feedback

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...

Dronedj.com General

Drone ban is one thing, why can’t America get other DJI gadgets?

DJI's latest technology products, including cameras, microphones, gimbals, and power stations, are readily available in Europe and Asia but face significant delays in the United States. Initially, the hold-up was attributed to national security concerns surrounding the company's drones. However, the...

Dronedj.com General

Beijing’s drone ban creates a massive problem for DJI

Beijing has implemented a significant ban on the sale of new consumer drones, a move that comes amid increasing scrutiny of Chinese drone manufacturers, particularly in light of recent actions taken by the United States against these companies. This decision marks a notable shift in the regulatory l...

Dronedj.com General

SoftBank Robotics backs Matternet to expand drone delivery across US

Matternet has announced a strategic partnership with SoftBank Robotics America to advance the integration of drone delivery services into everyday logistics across the United States. This collaboration seeks to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of delivery systems, leveraging drone technology...

Dronedj.com General

New Pentagon memo complicates DJI drone ban reversal

DJI, the prominent technology company known for its drones, faced a setback in its efforts to counteract the U.S. government's restrictions on foreign-made drones. Recently, the Pentagon intervened decisively, reinforcing its stance against DJI and effectively closing off any potential avenues for t...

Dronedj.com General
RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.

inJoin the RobotToday community on LinkedIn

Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.