Roomba-style vacuums are advanced robotic devices and a threat to national security: FCC

Your vacuum could be a national security risk.This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially added foreign-produced robotic vacuums to the banned list.The agency is cracking down on “advanced robotic devices” some of which include mobile robots like humanoids that can walk and dance and even connected power inverters manufactured outside the US.After a thorough review, many of the robotics were added to the list and deemed a national security and cybersecurity risk to US critical infrastructure. “The networked capabilities of advanced robotic systems create extensive vulnerabilities and vectors for attacks that can manipulate the data and physical operation of the advanced robotic system,” the agency found.According to the FCC’s updated policy, relying on advanced robotic devices made outside the country leaves Americans vulnerable as many devices can collect data to surveil citizens, and “enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots,” the FCC said.The new restrictions only apply to newly authorized devices and will not impact any robotic vacuums already used in homes around the country.

For retailers, the new rules don’t prevent them from continuing to sell, import, or market models already approved by the FCC.The move comes after the FCC updated its “Covered List” — a set of communications equipment and services that pose an “unacceptable risk to the national security of the US or the safety and security of U.S.persons,” the agency said.No specific brands were identified; however, top manufacturers who sell robotic vacuums in the US, like iRobot, SharkNinja, Dyson, Samsung and LG, are produced in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.Roomba was one of the first robot vacuum cleaners made by the American company iRobot in 2002, but is now owned by Shenzhen Picea Robotics and Santrum Hong Kong.“We are aware of the FCC’s recent action and are working with them ...