Robotics legislation was proposed on Capitol Hill this week. Credit: Sheik, via Adobe Stock
DOCUMENT No. 1: CODE NAME "H.R. 7334"
Officially: National Commission on Robotics Act.
The essence: Recognition that the United States is losing the systemic battle.* Tasks: Create A National Robotics Commission of 18 experts. Their goal is to provide Congress and the White House with a ready—made action plan in two years .:The United States is lagging behind in creating a unified national strategy.
While other countries actively subsidize and coordinate their industries (let's recall the Chinese LimX Dynamics with their $200 million), American companies act separately.*
Key quote (source: Congressman Jay Obernolt): "As robotics continues to transform our economy, manufacturing base, and national security, it is imperative that the United States remains a global leader."
What does this mean? This is an attempt at the state level to answer questions: how to prepare personnel? How to protect supply chains? How can we not miss the next industrial revolution? This is the first step from chaos to a plan.
DOCUMENT NO. 2: CODE NAME "S. 3275"
Officially: Humanoid ROBOT Act of 2025.
The essence: Direct confrontation. A ban on purchases by the federal government of humanoid robots with AI from the Axis countries (China, Iran, North Korea, Russia).
Strategic subtext: Humanoids are recognized as a critical dual-use technology (household aid and military applications). American senators are not afraid of the robots themselves, but of the "black boxes" in their code, which can spy, sabotage, or be disabled on command from the outside.* Key quote (source: Senator Bill Cassidy): "Americans win when we lead in technology. We maintain this leadership by blocking countries like China from allowing their robots into our workplaces and homes." Paradox: The law highlights the vulnerability of the United States. Companies like Tesla are still dependent on Chinese components for their Optimus, and Chinese Unitree robot platforms are being massively used at universities.
BATTLEFIELD REACTION (QUOTES FROM THE FRONT)
- Jeff Bernstein, President of the Association for the Advancement of Automation (A3): "This is a major event on the way to strengthening U.S. leadership."
- Brendan Shulman, Boston Dynamics: "This is the first federal legislation to support the industry."
- Robert Little, Novanta: "Robotics and automation are not optional tools, they are fundamental infrastructure".
ANALYSTS' CONCLUSIONS AND FORECAST
- The game has started. Two bills are a signal to the entire industry: the state is finally opening its eyes. The "soft" commission will be followed by tough laws, tax incentives, and possibly government orders.
- Robots = safety. The topic has moved from the category of technological innovations to the category of national security and economic sovereignty. We are talking about "resourcing" (the return of production) and independence from foreign chains.
- Cold War 2.0. The division of the world into technological spheres of influence is accelerating. Future standards, communication protocols, and "digital ecosystems" for robots (like the concepts being explored JOBTOROB.com) can become the same battlefield as computer operating systems once were.
THE GENERAL VERDICT: Washington has woken up. He no longer sees robots as the lot of startups and fans. He sees in them a new branch of the military, a new industry, and a new currency of geopolitical influence. 2026 may be the year when robotics in the United States ceased to be a business and became a national project.
