[Edaily Reporter JAEMIN SONG ] As the U.S. restricts new market entry by foreign-made advanced robots on national security grounds, the restructuring of the North American robotics supply chain is expected to accelerate. SamsungElectroMechanics and LG Innotek, which are currently enjoying a boom in components for artificial intelligence (AI) servers, are expected to see additional growth opportunities open up, such as increased demand for robot camera modules and multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs).

According to industry sources on the 6th, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added advanced robots and power inverters manufactured abroad to its “Covered List”—a list of equipment posing a threat to national security—on the 28th of last month. Autonomous humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and robotic vacuum cleaners are now ineligible for the new FCC device certification required for sale in the United States.

Although the regulation applies to all foreign-made products, the industry interprets this as a measure effectively aimed at restricting the entry of Chinese-made robots into the U.S. market. This is because products that have received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Defense and other agencies are exempt. While the short-term impact is limited since previously certified products can still be sold immediately, Chinese companies’ market position could erode over time if the launch of new and subsequent products is blocked.

Although this measure directly targets finished robots, its ripple effects on the supply chain are expected to extend to core components as well. As concerns grow over the leakage of video footage and environmental data collected by robots, key components such as vision-sensing modules are increasingly being evaluated not only on performance but also on security and supplier reliability.

LG Innotek is cited as the most likely beneficiary. The company is expanding its North American customer base by leveraging vision-sensing modules that serve as the “eyes” of humanoid robots. It is reported to be the exclusive supplier of vision sensing modules for Figure AI’s “Figure 03” in the U.S., and is also developing products for Boston Dynamics’ next-generation humanoid, “Atlas.” Analysts suggest that if the entry of Chinese robots is restricted and production by U.S. companies increases, LG Innotek’s opportunities to secure orders could expand accordingly.

SamsungElectroMechanics also plans to develop camera modules for humanoid robots with global clients and begin initial mass production within the year. Given that a single humanoid robot is equipped with at least five camera modules and more than 10,000 MLCCs, the growth of the robotics market could create new demand across SamsungElectroMechanics’ component and optical businesses.

Earnings outlooks are also improving. SamsungElectroMechanics and LG Innotek posted operating profits of 721 billion won and 541.1 billion won, respectively, in the first half of this year. The securities industry believes it is highly likely that SamsungElectroMechanics will record its highest-ever operating profit this year, while LG Innotek will return to annual operating profits in the 1 trillion won range for the first time in four years.

An industry official stated, “While it is difficult to conclude that these regulations will directly translate into orders for domestic component manufacturers, the options for Korean companies—whose quality and mass-production capabilities have already been verified—may expand as U.S. robotics firms build non-Chinese supply chains.” The official added, “Following AI servers, robots are highly likely to emerge as a new source of high-value-added demand in the electronic components industry.”