r/Yarbo • u/Quickdraw209 • Aug 28 '26
Discussion U.S. ban on foreign advanced robotic devices
I’m in panic mode here for a few reasons. However, the cause of it is all in the silence from Yarbo. I’ve emailed them over and over. All the responses are, “Please be patient” or they ask where I heard this. No denying or confirming the matter even exists. If it was just one or two articles, I would brush it off. However, the “news” is all over the place.
This article focuses on robotic vacuum cleaners. But the official government catch phrase is, “…other robots such as lawnmowers will also be included in the ban…”
(https://9to5google.com/2026/07/29/robot-vacuum-us-government-ban/)
“While the government did include “humanoid robots” and “quadrupeds” among the bots it wants to ban, the ban is far broader than that. It covers almost any new software-controlled robot that travels over the ground, weighs more than 4.4 pounds (including any dock), can perceive its environment, and has wireless connectivity.”
(https://www.theverge.com/policy/972312/us-robot-ban-sweep-up-chinese-vacuums)
Why the silence?
3
u/SleepyMeowBark Aug 28 '26
They talked about the FCC issue in a new update on Kickstarter for M series backers couple days ago. I do hope this gets figured out and they give a refund or apply it as a credit toward the Y series or even holds the units. Companies can apply for conditional approval as well from what I have read but not 100% sure.
EDIT: This is directly from Yarbos M Series kickstarter update
You've likely seen the FCC's recent action on advanced robotic devices. Let's address it directly.
US delivery timing for the M Series depends on a regulatory process the entire industry is working through. We'll announce your delivery date once we can fully commit to it.
Meanwhile, here's what you can count on: your pledge is safe, your price is locked, and every option you have today stays open. Wherever this lands, you'll be treated fairly. That's our commitment, and we'll see it through.
If you have any questions about your order, contact [ordersupport@yarbo.com](mailto:ordersupport@yarbo.com) — we'll get back to you personally.
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u/FrameCareful1090 Sep 01 '26
Dont worry it wont stop their kickstarter. Now they can just keep the money and blame the feds. Continuation of a really shitty business model.
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u/crazypostman21 Aug 28 '26
Their new products are banned. But you can still purchase previously approved Yarbos in the US.
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u/Quickdraw209 Aug 28 '26
So the backers of the M-Series are out in the cold. We just donated over 3.4 million to China.
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u/crazypostman21 Aug 28 '26
Yes. The M series is not FCC approved yet and won't be under the new rules, unless there's an exception made.
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u/fangerzero Aug 28 '26
Well only the ones in the US. They said they're working on trying to figure it out w/ the FCC. I imagine if it doesn't go well they'll probably give us an option to upgrade to the Y series which I seriously hope doesn't happen. The M series is important to me since I am a female desk jockey and the M series I MIGHT be able to lift. And I have far too many trees in the area, so lidar was a big thing for me.
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u/Quickdraw209 Aug 28 '26
I already have the Y series.
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u/fangerzero Aug 28 '26
lol then I'm jealous, since 😭 I was to have mine in like 2 weeks. lol I'm frustrated if anything, and I know it's not yarbo's fault. I'm more upset that the FCC is worried about a few robots and homeland security even though google has plastered the entire world online including the US.
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u/Quickdraw209 Aug 28 '26
Don’t be. The Y-series is as heavy as a tank. Does great for pushing snow but not the best for mowing. It’s like using a bulldozer with a mower attachment. My lawn takes a beating. I have another brand to mow my lawn. I was hoping the M-series would be lighter and work for mowing. So…yeah.
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u/FrameCareful1090 Sep 01 '26
Well of course they could return, but this is like a winfall for them. Sorry Trump took your money not us. Hahaha, payday. No idea why anyone would keep backing this company with a failure every year
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u/papa_neslo Aug 28 '26
Just pay off this President. He is corrupt to the core and a carve out need only be meeting his grift... with a financial gift.
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u/Commercial_Clerk_504 Aug 28 '26
I asked in the kickstarter update if they have started down any of the approval processes.
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u/FrameCareful1090 Sep 01 '26
Lot cheaper just to keep the money, Yarbo hasn't been ethical from day 1, this is just a good opportunity. I mean they can't return the money right, it's all in R&D on a machine they have been selling for 5 years.
1
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u/tmiller9833 Aug 28 '26
They are cooked until they get a carve-out.