United StatesNew foreign-made mobile robots need FCC clearance
Since 28 July 2026, foreign-produced "advanced robotic devices" are on the FCC Covered List: ground robots over 4.4 lb (2 kg) that work at a distance from their operator and have sensors, network connectivity and navigation software, including humanoids, quadrupeds and autonomous mobile robots. Models authorized before then can still be imported, sold and updated (updates are allowed through at least 1 January 2029). New foreign-made models need conditional approval. Fixed industrial and medical arms, drones, vehicles and medical devices are excluded.
Steptoe summary ↗ · IFR ↗
WorldwideSafety standards to ask about
Robots that work near people are tested against published safety standards. ISO 13482 covers personal care robots (mobile servant, physical assistant and person carrier robots). UL 3300 covers service, communication, information, education and entertainment robots. ANSI/A3 R15.08 covers industrial mobile robots in workplaces, and ISO 10218 covers industrial robot arms. Ask which standards a robot has been certified to.
ISO 13482 ↗ · UL 3300 ↗ · ANSI/A3 R15.08 ↗
European UnionNew EU machinery rules from January 2027
The EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces the Machinery Directive and applies from 20 January 2027. It explicitly covers autonomous mobile machinery, including robots. Robots sold in the EU carry CE marking showing the maker's conformity.
EU-OSHA ↗
Depends on locationCameras, microphones and biometric privacy
Most robots see and hear. If a robot recognises faces or voices, it may collect biometric data, which some laws strictly regulate. Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act requires notice and written consent, and delivery robots operating in Chicago have faced class actions under it. In Europe, the GDPR applies. Find out what a robot records, where the data is stored and whether face recognition can be switched off.
Serve and Coco lawsuits ↗
A plain-English summary, not legal advice. Check the rules that apply where you will use the robot.