U.S. robotics companies want federal help to keep Chinese robots out of America’s networks
U.S. robotics companies want federal help to keep Chinese robots out of America’s networks
https://cyberscoop.com/us-robotics-industry-congress-china-competition/
Publish Date: 2026-03-18 15:29:00
Source Domain: cyberscoop.com
Executives at top U.S. robotics companies asked Congress for federal dollars, new legislation and a simpler regulatory field, arguing the support is necessary to adapt to the AI era and compete with their well-oiled, state-funded Chinese competitors.
The U.S. robotics sector, estimated at $50 billion in value, includes world famous companies like Boston Dynamics. The industry is projected to sell millions of robots across the country over the next four years.
According to a 2025 report from the International Federation of Robotics, the market has sold and installed an average of 500,000 robots between 2020 and 2024. China alone accounted for 54% of those installations, compared to just 9% for America.
Matthew Malchano, vice president of software at Boston Dynamics, told lawmakers in the House Homeland Security cyber subcommittee hearing Tuesday that robotics represent the necessary physical infrastructure to support the country’s efforts to dominate the global AI race, with robots, drones and other machines more fully integrating AI systems in the coming years.
He pointed to Chinese companies like Unitree, which are capturing market share with police departments and universities across the United States, despite contracting ties to the Chinese military and cybersecurity vulnerabilities like a wormable exploit found in 2025 that would allow an attacker to takeover fleets of Unitree robots.
Malchano said Unitree is one of “dozens” of Chinese companies propped up by China’s national AI and robotics plan, which “envisions transforming virtually every major industry in China by integrating AI powered robots” through funding and favorable policies.
He pressed U.S. lawmakers for a similar national strategy, and stumped for the passage of the National Commission on Robotics Act, sponsored by Rep. Jay Olbernolte, R-Calif., that would develop a bipartisan commission to drive it.
Max Fenkell, global head of policy and government…
