Congress Unveils GUARD Act to Expand FCC Covered List Framework for Robotics

Legislation Introduced for National Security Review of Humanoid and Quadruped Robots

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Guarding the U.S. against Adversarial Robotics Dominance (GUARD) Act of 2026, which aims to implement a national security review process for humanoid and quadruped robots. This initiative reflects a broader U.S. strategy for assessing connected autonomous systems.

Details of the GUARD Act

The GUARD Act was introduced by Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA). The proposed legislation mandates that federal national security agencies evaluate specific robotics communications equipment and services produced by entities linked to countries deemed as concerns. Products identified as posing an unacceptable national security risk would be added to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List. If a determination is not made within one year, these products would automatically be included on the list.

The focus of the proposal is on humanoid and quadruped robots, along with the software and communications systems that control them.

Framework Similar to Existing Regulations

The legislative approach mirrors existing frameworks used in the drone industry. The FCC Covered List was initially created to address communications equipment that posed national security risks and has evolved into a significant tool in discussions about telecommunications equipment, surveillance systems, and foreign-manufactured drones. The GUARD Act seeks to extend this framework to encompass a new category of autonomous systems.

Under the bill, robots produced by entities based in, controlled by, or affiliated with organizations from countries of concern would be subject to review. This includes subsidiaries, joint ventures, and companies engaged in technology-sharing or licensing agreements with covered entities.

Proponents of the legislation emphasize that robotics systems raise increasing national security concerns due to their ability to collect sensor data, operate autonomously, and utilize networked communications systems.

Implications for U.S. Technology Policy

The GUARD Act reflects a broader shift in U.S. technology policy, where connected technologies are increasingly evaluated through the lenses of supply chain resilience, strategic dependency, and critical infrastructure security. This trend has been particularly evident in the drone industry.

Recent policy discussions have moved beyond individual platform security to encompass broader issues such as manufacturing capacity, access to critical components, and reliance on foreign supply chains for strategically important technologies. These themes are also present in the discourse surrounding the GUARD Act.

The legislation has garnered support from various organizations, including AUVSI, Agility Robotics, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Hudson Institute, and the Bull Moose Project. Advocates argue that establishing a review process now could mitigate potential risks before robotics systems become more integrated into critical sectors of the U.S. economy.

Convergence of Drones and Ground Robots

The GUARD Act is significant as it acknowledges the diminishing distinction between aerial and ground-based autonomous systems. Many industries are already utilizing drones and robotic ground systems in tandem for applications such as inspection, security, logistics, public safety, and defense.

Advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomy, sensors, and communications networks are enabling various types of autonomous platforms to function as part of a cohesive system. Consequently, lawmakers are increasingly viewing drones, robots, and other connected autonomous technologies as components of a broader ecosystem rather than as separate entities.

For the drone industry, the GUARD Act may signal the direction of future policy discussions. As autonomous systems become more prevalent in commercial and government applications, regulatory focus is shifting not only to the capabilities of these systems but also to their manufacturing origins, technological control, and the security of their communications infrastructure.