Vecna Robotics makes its systems in the U.S. and is not directly affected by the FCC ruling. Credit: Eugene Demaitre
In July, the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, said it had determined that certain foreign-made advanced robots pose a cybersecurity and competitive risk to the U.S. It has restricted imports of new models of advanced robotic devices, including mobile robots and legged robots.
What should companies considering purchases of such robots do? What are some of the concerns around design, deployment, and ongoing support?
Leaders from Vecna Robotics, Locus Robotics, and the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) will discuss the practical implications of the commission‘s determination in a free webinar at 2:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. The panelists will examine how connected systems differ from traditional automation.
Webinar attendees can also learn how companies can evaluate the long-term supportability of their robotics investments. They will hear perspectives on strengthening supply chains, questions buyers should be asking their technology providers, and what the changing landscape could mean for the U.S. robotics industry.
Register now to learn about FCC policy implications
The webinar will also help attendees:
- Identify what types of robots and companies are affected by the FCC action
- Understand the intent behind the restriction and other U.S. policies under consideration, such as tariffs
- Build acquisition, implementation, and service strategies for resilience
- Track how the robotics ecosystem is reacting to U.S. and competitive challenges
- Be aware of standards efforts in addition to regulatory changes
- Look at long-term trends in automation
Register now to attend this webinar, which is sponsored by Vecna Robotics. The panelists will answer questions during the live broadcast, which will be available on demand afterwards to registrants.
About the webinar panelists
Karl Iagnemma is CEO of material handling systems provider Vecna Robotics Inc. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and was director of the MIT Robotic Mobility Group.
Iagnemma previously founded nuTonomy, the world’s first venture-backed driverless car software business, which was acquired by Aptiv for $450 million. Under his leadership, nuTonomy was spun out into Motional, a $4 billion joint venture with Hyundai Motor Co.
Karl brings a wealth of experience in scaling robotics companies from research through commercialization to Vecna.
Rick Faulk is CEO of warehouse automation supplier Locus Robotics Corp. He leads its executive team with more than 30 years of experience in executive management, sales, and marketing for some of the world’s most successful technology companies, such as Cisco, Intronis, j2 Global, WebEx, Intranets.com, Barracuda Networks, Lotus Development, Mzinga, and PictureTel.
Faulk leads Locus Robotics’ executive team and is responsible for the overall strategy and execution at the company. Rick currently sits on various boards and is an advisor to multiple companies, including Retrocausal, Arccos, Cybernetix Ventures, and Leading Edge Ventures. Past board positions include Yodle, Virtual Computer, Bidding for Good, Skill Survey, Influitive, Ntirety, Blue Raven, and Centive.
Aaron Prather is director of market intelligence at the Association for Advancing Automation. He leads the organization’s efforts to transform raw market data into actionable insights that support the strategic decision-making of executive leadership.
With a focus on the robotics and automation sector, Prather helps build a coherent understanding of industry trends, enabling confident and informed business strategies.
With over two decades of experience, Aaron has contributed to the advancement of automation, robotics, and operations management through roles emphasizing R&D, standardization, and strategic planning.
Eugene Demaitre, moderator, is editorial director for robotics at Arrowfly (formerly WTWH Media), which produces The Robot Report, Automated Warehouse, the Robotics Summit & Expo, and RoboBusiness (now Robotics Summit West).
Prior to working for Arrowfly, he was an editor at BNA (now part of Bloomberg), Computerworld, TechTarget, and Robotics Business Review. Demaitre has participated in conferences worldwide, as well as spoken in numerous webinars and podcasts. He recently led a discussion on reshoring at RoboBusiness 2026.
Gene is always interested in learning more about robotics. He has a master’s from the George Washington University and lives in the Boston area.
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