FCC Grants Intel Exemption for Foreign-Made Plant Robots
Intel said no verified US-made alternative meets its requirements and that halting the vehicles could quickly cut production capacity.
The FCC has granted Intel an exemption allowing the company to keep using foreign-made automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at its US semiconductor plants, according to digitaltoday.co.kr. The decision covers vehicles affected by import restrictions that took effect in July.
Intel had requested a temporary exemption because it was unclear whether routine upgrades to the vehicles fall under the new rules. The company said there is no verified US-made alternative that meets its requirements, and that replacing the existing fleet could take years.
Intel also warned that stopping the equipment could almost immediately hit US semiconductor production capacity. CEO Lip-Bu Tan stressed that keeping the AGVs running is important for national security.
Broader restrictions on foreign robots
In July, the FCC added foreign-made advanced robots to its Covered List after a White House review found unacceptable national security risks. Under those rules, hardware, software and firmware changes to such equipment already on the market are restricted, though manufacturers can apply for exceptions and operators like Intel can request exemptions.
On the 23rd, the FCC blocked US sales of dashboard cameras and wireless video transmitters containing chips from Huawei subsidiary HiSilicon. The commission said the chips have built-in face detection and were marketed for surveillance. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the commission will continue measures to protect national security.
Quick answers
What did the FCC grant Intel?
An exemption from import restrictions on foreign-made automated guided vehicles used in Intel's US semiconductor plants.
Why did Intel request the exemption?
Intel said it was unclear whether routine vehicle upgrades fall under the new rules, that no verified US-made alternative meets its requirements, and that replacing the vehicles could take years.