Summarised by Centrist
Chinese-made humanoid robots are raising alarms in the US Congress, with some lawmakers urging a ban due to national security concerns.
Advanced robots from companies like Unitree Robotics can perform various tasks, including high-speed movement and replicating human expressions.
Jacob Helberg, a member of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, warns that these robots could be used by the Chinese Communist Party for spying, sabotage, or even physical harm.
Helberg and other US lawmakers, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Sen. Katie Britt, stress the urgency of addressing this issue. They fear that these robots could become tools for espionage or even acts of physical destruction. While some experts like Paul Rosenzweig downplay the immediate threat, the rapid advancement and potential mass production of these robots by 2025 heighten the urgency of the debate.
The US has previously blacklisted Chinese tech giants like Huawei and is considering similar actions for robotics companies. The push for legislative action aims to prevent China from gaining a strategic advantage in robotics, which could impact both the economy and national security.
Critics worry that advanced robotics will play a critical role in future industries, and failing to address these concerns now could have serious consequences.
