[DigitalToday intern reporter Seung-a Yoo] The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has allowed an exception for foreign-made robotic equipment used at Intel’s U.S. semiconductor plants. The decision lets Intel partly avoid the impact of import restrictions that took effect in July. Intel has warned that halting operation of the equipment could disrupt semiconductor production in the United States.

Cryptopolitan reported on Oct. 23 that the exemption covers automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, which Intel said are essential to U.S. semiconductor production. AGVs carry silicon wafers and other materials inside semiconductor plants. Intel requested a temporary exemption, saying it was unclear whether routine upgrades for the vehicles would also be subject to the new rules.

Intel cited a lack of substitute equipment in the U.S. supply chain. It said there were no verified U.S.-made alternatives that meet its requirements, and replacing existing vehicles could take years. It warned that if the equipment stopped operating, U.S. semiconductor production capacity could face an almost immediate hit. Intel Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan (립부 탄) also stressed that keeping AGVs operating is "important" to national security. Intel views routine maintenance as unlikely to create new cybersecurity risks.

The request followed the FCC’s move in July to add advanced robots made overseas to its covered list. The step came after a White House review determined the equipment could pose unacceptable national security risks. Under the rules, hardware, software and firmware changes are restricted even for equipment already on the market. Manufacturers can apply for approval of an exception, and companies that use the equipment, such as Intel, can request an exemption.

The case could spread to other semiconductor manufacturers. Japan’s Murata Machinery and Daifuku are seen as major AGV suppliers, and South Korean and Taiwanese companies are also pushing to enter the market. TSMC, Micron, GlobalFoundries, Samsung Electronics and Texas Instruments, which operate semiconductor plants in the United States, could also face similar regulatory issues.

The FCC has recently stepped up enforcement. Under rules introduced this month, it is blocking approvals for devices that include smart components from companies on the covered list. On Oct. 23, it blocked U.S. sales of dashboard cameras and wireless video transmitters using chips from Huawei unit HiSilicon. The FCC said the chips included face-detection features and were promoted for surveillance uses. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr (브렌던 카) said the agency would continue steps to protect national security.

The exemption for Intel is seen as a step aimed at avoiding disruptions to U.S. semiconductor production while maintaining national security rules. Other chipmakers could also seek exemptions as they weigh production continuity against security regulations.