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Meeting 1 Asia-Pacific and Europe: August 27, 10-11am CET Meeting 2 North America, Latin America and Europe: August 27, 5-6pm CET
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently taken several actions affecting robotics, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and components that are relevant to the SPRINT Robotics community. These seek to address issues of national security or security and safety of U.S. persons. The changes include additions to the FCC Covered List, new equipment authorization requirements and further proposed changes on which the FCC is seeking public comment.
Equipment included on the Covered List cannot receive new FCC equipment authorization and therefore generally cannot be imported, marketed or sold in the United States. The new and proposed rules also raise important questions about components incorporated into equipment, supply chains, testing and temporary import.
The FCC is seeking input on several of the proposed changes. This provides an opportunity for the SPRINT Robotics community to bring relevant industry experience to the attention of the FCC.
SPRINT Robotics is following these developments. Because the impact will depend on the specific equipment, its origin, authorization status and intended use, technology suppliers and end users should also assess the implications for their own operations and seek appropriate regulatory or legal advice where needed. The FCC publications to headlines and current Covered List provide the primary source information.
Other relevant sources:
Recent FCC actions relevant to SPRINT Robotics
1. Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) – July 21, 2026 The FCC is seeking comment on further restrictions on the continued importation and marketing of certain foreign-produced military-grade UAS and UAS critical components. Comments due: September 2, 2026
2. Equipment authorization and components – July 22, 2026 The FCC adopted new requirements concerning certain logic-bearing hardware components and proposed additional changes covering components and software, importation, marketing, pre-authorization operation and supply-chain requirements. Comments on the proposed changes due: September 8, 2026
3. Advanced Robotic Devices and Power Inverters – July 28, 2026 The FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices and power inverters to the Covered List. New covered models can no longer receive the FCC equipment authorization required for normal import and marketing in the United States. Previously authorized models are generally not affected by the new listing.
What could this mean for the SPRINT Robotics community?
The changes may have implications for organizations in the US and globally, both beneficial and adverse. Important questions include testing and pilots; sourcing of components by US manufacturers; assessing promising technologies developed outside the US; market access for foreign suppliers; equipment brought into the US by foreign service providers; trade shows and demonstrations; integration of complete systems; and whether moving manufacturing or assembly to the US could provide a route forward.
SPRINT Robotics meetings and input to the FCC
SPRINT Robotics would like to gather input from the community and discuss the practical consequences for asset owners, operators, service providers, technology suppliers and manufacturers, both in the US and abroad.
Join one of our online meetings to discuss:
SPRINT Robotics is considering preparing and submitting a consolidated response to the FCC, based on the input.
If you would like to provide written input, please email: sprintrobotics@sprintrobotics.org
