Boston Dynamics CEO warns against Chinese robots in US, citing active data leaks

Boston Dynamics’ interim CEO Amanda McMaster is sounding the alarm on Chinese-made robots operating in the US, claiming that data leaks are already happening. Her push for a comprehensive national robotics strategy comes at a time when China accounts for a staggering 54% of global robot deployments. McMaster, who also serves as the company’s CFO, has been making the case to Congress that foreign-made robotics, particularly those from Chinese firms, pose genuine national security and cybersecurity risks. This isn’t a hypothetical warning about what could happen. She’s saying the vulnerabilities are being exploited right now. The FCC draws a line The US Federal Communications Commission enacted an import ban on new foreign-made humanoid robots, effective July 29, 2026. The ban specifically targets Chinese products over cybersecurity concerns. Boston Dynamics executives have testified before Congress about specific flaws in systems developed by competitors like Unitree Robotics, a Chinese firm that has been steadily gaining ground in US market segments. Executives have pointed to remote manipulation and surveillance capabilities baked into these machines. Unitree has been making inroa...