MassRobotics shares member survey results around FCC restrictions

figure — respondents were evenly split between favorable and unfavorable views of the FCC robotics ban. It banned new models of such devices, with exceptions for federal purchases and companies that obtain waivers through the U.S.

Department of War or DoW. The rule covers ground-based, connected robots that weigh more than 4.4 lb. (1.9 kg), have environmental sensors such as lidar or cameras, include connectivity of at least 200 kbps, and rely on navigation and perception software. The FCC has also said that 65% of the total cost of a robot’s components must be domestic-made to qualify as U.S.-produced. It plans to increase that threshold to 75% in 2029. The policy initially caused confusion among some robotics suppliers and users. While it applies to imports from any country, it was widely understood to address competition from China, which has installed more than half of the world’s industrial robots. Along with potential tariffs on robotics, the FCC restrictions also highlighted the need for a national robotics strategy, noted industry advocates. Since the initial announcement, various organizations have been trying to figure out how to respond to these policies and inform the community about them. The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) hosted a webinar with DLA Piper for its members. MassRobotics finds an even split among member organizations Last month, MassRobotics surveyed its resident startups, corporate sponsors, and the robotics ecosystem to get feedback on the FCC ban. The Boston-based organization said it spoke with 14 companies ranging “from solo-founder teams to organizations with 200+ members.” MassRobotics reported that 43% of companies viewed the FCC ruling as “beneficial” or “very beneficial,” with the same percentage calling it “detrimental” or “very detrimental.” Fourteen percent said they expected “no impact.” “Sentiment tracks closely with a company’s manufacturing footprint,” observed MassRobotics. “Companies already producing domestically tend to view the ruling as a competitive advantage; companies with foreign-dependent supply chains, even partially, tend to view it as a costly disruption.” Sentiment toward the FCC ban depended on where a company has its production. However, one company said it expected “a severe positive boost,” while another complained that it would have to relocate its headquarters to the U.S. Twenty-nine percent of those surveyed said they have onshoring plans but have yet to start them.