What The FCC's Foreign Robot Ban Means For Roomba Owners

Many home owners and apartment dwellers will agree that one of the coolest inventions in these past years is the Roomba robotic vacuum. It is cool because once it's programed and learns the layout of your house, it just runs around and vacuums. Slick, isn't it.

However, USAToday reported that "the U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced on July 28 that it is banning new foreign-made robotic devices due to national security threats. Though not explicitly outlined, Roombas and other self-sufficient vacuums manufactured outside of the country may fall under the ban."

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iRobot is the parent company of the Roomba, and actually launched in 2002 here in America, but at all things do, they were acquired by a Chinese company this past January. Oops! There is the rub.

Sadly, most all robotic vacuums are made outside of the USA - - Singapore, China and Vietnam. There is one U.S.-based robotics company that produces the vacuums: Matic. But, boy are they expensive, costing over $1,200 compared to a $200 to $700 price range for others.

And the reasoning behind all of this? Quoting the USAToday article:

"According to an FCC news release, advanced robotic devices made outside of the United States are banned because they pose a risk to supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt the U.S. economy. The devices could also create a cybersecurity risk, threatening American infrastructure."

There is good news here. If you already own a Roomba or another robotic vacuum, the robot police won't be knocking down your door to confiscate your Roomba. You are good to go. But for those who want to order one, you may want to think again.