Free Republic

First was the crackdown on hobbyist drones. Now, robot vacuums are finding themselves in the FCC’s crosshairs. In the latest expansion of the agency’s “Covered List,” the Federal Communications Commission has classified certain foreign-produced “advanced robotic devices” as a risk to national security. That broad definition doesn’t just apply to humanoids and quadrupeds. It also encapsulates many of today’s WiFi-connected robot vacuums, along with robot lawn mowers and pool cleaners. If you’re worried about whether your robot vacuum is banned, don’t panic. The change in rules primarily affects future products seeking FCC approval to be sold in the United States,...

Police in Ballwin, Missouri responded to call unlike any other Friday — a family dog sucked up by a robotic vacuum. “I called 911 because I figured somebody’s gotta be able to help me,” Megan Dunavant said. Her elderly Shih Tzu, Stonewall, was trapped. The robotic vacuum had shut off right next to him, and when Dunavant looked more closely, she realized his tail was caught inside. “He’s alligator rolling trying to get loose and freaking out,” she said. Megan — with a newborn at home — was freaking out, too. “I’m all alone. This is awful. This is like...