AUVSI Statement on Introduction of the American Security Robotics Act

March 26, 2026

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) commends Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Tom Cotton, and Rep. Elise Stefanik for introducing the bipartisan American Security Robotics Act, which takes an important step toward strengthening the security and resilience of U.S. government robotics and autonomous systems.

As robotics and autonomy become increasingly integral to national defense, critical infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and public safety, it is essential that the United States ensures sensitive government systems are not dependent on, or exposed to, technology from adversarial nations. The legislation reflects growing bipartisan recognition of the need to mitigate national security risks in government procurement of uncrewed systems, particularly as foreign adversaries accelerate development of advanced robotics, including humanoid platforms.

“America’s economic competitiveness and national security depend on ensuring we’re Robot Ready,” said Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI. “We commend Rep. Elise Stefanik, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Sen. Tom Cotton for introducing the American Security Robotics Act, an important step to reduce national security risk by restricting U.S. government procurement of uncrewed ground vehicles of all types from foreign adversaries. The American Security Robotics Act aligns with AUVSI’s Partnership for Robotics Competitiveness, which calls for risk-based restrictions to ensure trusted systems and secure supply chains.”

The American Security Robotics Act would prohibit federal agencies from procuring or operating uncrewed ground vehicle systems manufactured by foreign adversaries, particularly those tied to nations such as the People’s Republic of China (PRC). These measures respond to rising concerns about data security, potential remote access vulnerabilities, and the broader risks posed by integrating PRC-manufactured systems into sensitive government operations.

AUVSI looks forward to continuing to work with Congress, industry, and stakeholders to advance policies that promote secure, trusted, and innovative robotics and autonomous systems in the United States.