Intel has asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a waiver to continue operating foreign-made automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at its U.S. semiconductor plants. The company filed the request on October 16, and it became public recently. The FCC has restricted advanced robots made abroad over national security concerns.
Intel said it is seeking the waiver out of caution because it is unsure whether upgrading its existing AGVs would violate the new rules. The company said no tested domestic alternatives meet its needs and warned that a disruption would have an “immediate negative impact” on U.S. manufacturing.
The news has reportedly added to selling pressure on Intel’s stock.