The FCC has already made it much harder for foreign drone makers such as DJI to bring new products into the US. Now, the same crackdown is reaching a machine far more likely to be moving around your living room.
The US government recently added foreign-made advanced robotic devices to the FCC’s Covered List. The announcement appeared focused on humanoids, robot dogs, and industrial machines, but an FCC spokesperson has confirmed to The Verge that robot vacuum cleaners are covered too.
Future foreign-made Roombas and rival robot vacuums will therefore be unable to receive the FCC authorization needed for sale in the US unless their manufacturers secure Conditional Approval. The restriction applies to products made in any foreign country, not only China.
The government’s definition covers software-controlled machines that can travel across the ground without constant human input. The device and its dock must weigh more than 4.4 pounds, use sensors to understand their surroundings, connect to a network, and rely on software for movement or data collection.
Most modern robot vacuums meet those requirements. The Verge also points out that the same wording could cover connected lawnmowers, sidewalk delivery robots, and mobile machines used inside warehouses.
Cybersecurity is a major part of the government’s argument. Its assessment cites a recent flaw that reportedly exposed around 7,000 foreign-made robots, including live camera feeds, microphone audio, and detailed maps of people’s homes.
No. Previously approved models can continue to be imported, marketed, and sold, while robot vacuums already purchased will remain unaffected. Sales to and use by federal agencies are also exempt from the restrictions. Existing devices can continue receiving security, software, firmware, and compatibility updates until at least January 1, 2029.
Future launches face a tougher path. Roomba is now owned by Chinese manufacturer Picea Robotics, while Chinese companies account for much of the wider robot vacuum market. Manufacturers can seek Conditional Approval while moving more production to the US, but without it, several upcoming models could struggle to reach American stores.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.