The American Security Robotics Act of 2026 prohibits federal executive agencies from purchasing or operating unmanned ground vehicles—including robots, remote surveillance vehicles, and autonomous patrol systems—that are manufactured or controlled by entities from countries considered national security concerns, such as China. The ban applies immediately to new purchases and takes effect one year after enactment for any current use of these systems, including those obtained through contractors. The legislation also prevents federal funds distributed through contracts, grants, or other means from being used to procure or operate these foreign-made robotic systems. However, four agencies—the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of State, and Department of Justice—can request exemptions if they demonstrate the equipment is in the national interest and used solely for research, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, or other security purposes, or if the equipment is modified to prevent data transfer to foreign entities and poses no cybersecurity risk.
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