American Security Robotics Act of 2026

The "American Security Robotics Act of 2026" establishes a comprehensive prohibition on executive agencies' engagement with certain unmanned ground vehicle systems. Specifically, it targets systems defined as covered unmanned ground vehicle systems , which are those manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity . A covered foreign entity is one domiciled in or subject to the influence of a covered nation , as outlined in existing defense statutes, aiming to mitigate national security risks from foreign-controlled technology. The bill immediately prohibits executive agencies from procuring these systems and, one year after enactment, extends the ban to their operation and the use of federal funds for their acquisition or use. However, it provides exemptions for the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, State, and Justice under specific conditions. These exemptions apply if the use is determined to be in the national interest and is for purposes such as research, testing, counter-terrorism, or if the system is modified to prevent data transfer to foreign entities and poses no national security cybersecurity risk.