San Francisco's Lightberry gets federal OK to sell its Lumi robot despite foreign-robot ban
The FCC exempted Lumi and seven other foreign-made robots and devices from its national-security list after Defense Department review. The approval depends on moving manufacturing to the U.S.
San Francisco robot startup Lightberry can sell its Lumi robot in the U.S. after the Federal Communications Commission exempted it from a ban on new foreign-made robots, according to an Oct. 30 FCC notice.
In July the FCC added foreign-produced "advanced robotic devices" to its Covered List, equipment the government considers a national security risk. Devices on the list can't get the FCC approval needed to be imported or sold, because robots carry cameras, microphones and internet connections that could be misused. Companies can ask the Defense Department, now called the Department of War, for a "conditional approval."
The FCC notice lists Lumi among products from eight companies that received one, including drones and power equipment, along with warehouse robots from ATI Motors and OMRON. Each approval depends on the company following its plan to move manufacturing to the U.S. and on continued security review, the FCC said.
Lightberry says Lumi is the first humanoid robot cleared this way. The 4-foot-2 yellow robot greets visitors, answers questions and takes photos, and it is compatible with Chinese maker Unitree's G1 robot, the company says. Lightberry says it replaced the sensors, onboard computer and software and will start U.S. production with Lumi's body, head and hands. Founder Edition units cost $39,990.
You need to know exactly what's running inside it.
Source: FCC Public Notice DA 26-1181, Oct. 30, 2026; Lightberry press release, Oct. 30, 2026