Intel applied for a conditional exemption from the US Federal Communications Commission to continue to maintain and upgrade advanced foreign-made robotics equipment, saying that these “niche” devices are essential to US semiconductor manufacturing. According to an application filed by Intel on October 16 published on Monday, the company is concerned that the ban on the import and sale of new foreign-made advanced robots may affect the maintenance and upgrade of its automated guided vehicles used to transport materials at chip factories. Intel said that ensuring the proper operation of these robotic devices is “critical” to US national security. Currently, there are no proven alternatives made in the US that meet the company's strict requirements, and it may take several years to replace existing equipment. Intel claims that if these devices stop working, it will “immediately have a negative impact on Intel's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in the US.”

Intel applied for a conditional exemption from the US Federal Communications Commission to continue to maintain and upgrade advanced foreign-made robotics equipment, saying that these “niche” devices are essential to US semiconductor manufacturing. According to an application filed by Intel on October 16 published on Monday, the company is concerned that the ban on the import and sale of new foreign-made advanced robots may affect the maintenance and upgrade of its automated guided vehicles used to transport materials at chip factories. Intel said that ensuring the proper operation of these robotic devices is “critical” to US national security. Currently, there are no proven alternatives made in the US that meet the company's strict requirements, and it may take several years to replace existing equipment. Intel claims that if these devices stop working, it will “immediately have a negative impact on Intel's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in the US.”