# Intel Seeks FCC Waiver for Automated Guided Vehicles in U.S. Chip Plants

By Riza Dagoc

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/regulation/35351
Published: 2026-10-20T06:03:13.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-20T06:03:13.000Z
Section: Regulation

> The FCC’s Covered List applies to foreign-produced advanced robotic devices, while separate rules restrict modifications to previously authorized covered equipment.

Intel asked the Federal Communications Commission on Oct. 16 for an expedited waiver covering hardware changes to automated guided vehicles in its U.S. chip plants, bringing the effect of federal robotics restrictions on installed factory equipment before the agency.

The vehicles carry materials through Intel’s factories. The request concerns changes to equipment already in use, rather than authorization for a new robot model.

On July 28, the FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List. Covered models cannot receive new equipment authorizations. The listing does not, by itself, require factories to stop using machines that were previously authorized.

The FCC also restricts modifications to previously authorized covered equipment. Intel seeks additional relief for hardware changes to its vehicles.

The Covered List excludes robotic devices that receive Conditional Approval from the Department of War. Some devices have received that approval, but the process is separate from Intel’s FCC waiver request. The FCC must now decide whether to grant the company’s requested relief.