Ashore
Ashore
We help robot makers navigate U.S. approval and plan production here.
What changed on 28 July 2026
On 28 July 2026 the FCC added foreign-produced robots to its Covered List. New models can no longer be authorised, and without authorisation they cannot be sold in the United States. Models authorised before that date are unaffected.
It reaches humanoids, quadrupeds, warehouse and delivery robots, mowers, pool and window robots, and most robot vacuums. What decides it is where a product is made, not who owns the company.
The way back is a Conditional Approval from the Department of War, granted on a plan to move production to the United States. The first robotics approval came on 9 September 2026. Applications close on 1 January 2028.
The Covered List and every approval grantedWhat we do
Conditional Approval support
We assess the approval path for each product and help clients prepare the application, including a proposed U.S. production plan.
U.S. production planning
We assess U.S. suppliers and contract manufacturers, introduce potential partners, and advise on sourcing, assembly and testing plans. The client chooses and contracts with its partners.
After-approval support
We help clients understand and plan for the reporting and other obligations that apply to their specific approval.
Actuator sourcing
Tell us what your build needs. We help compare actuator options and supplier quotes against your requirements, quantity and timing.
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How an engagement starts
Discuss the product
Share your product, manufacturing location and launch plans. We use the first conversation to understand what you need.
Agree the scope
If there is a fit, agree the deliverables, responsibilities, fees and milestones in writing.
Carry out the agreed work
Work begins within that scope. Your design, brand and customer relationships remain yours.
days left to apply. Applications close on 1 January 2028.
Our team
Kevin Chou
Born and raised in Los Angeles. UC Berkeley, and on its Foundation Board of Trustees for more than a decade. Founded Kabam and ran it eleven years to $400 million in annual revenue. Founded Bright Saver, the nonprofit behind plug-in solar legalisation in nine states.
Peter Hyun
Former Acting Chief of the FCC Enforcement Bureau, the office that enforces these rules. Former Acting Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice, and Chief Counsel to Senator Dianne Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Carl Peterson
Led mechanical design for Tesla's Powerwall, Powerpack and Megapack, and in 2020 ran Tesla's 3,000-person residential solar business. Before that, fourteen years at Apple leading iPad product design and its Asian contract manufacturing.
Luke Lu
Runs the robotics business and works with Chinese manufacturers in Chinese. Previously an engineer at a robotics company in China and a frontier robotics lab in California.
Erica Ding
Works on customer development and robotics partnerships. AI Product Lead at Shopee, with a background at UC Berkeley and as co-president of the Berkeley Club of Singapore.
Professional profileDiscuss your U.S. launch
Send a public product link, where it is made, and when you want to sell in the United States. Tell us whether you need help with approval, U.S. production, or both.
Request a call by emailOpens your email app. Nothing is sent until you send it. You can also write directly to either address below.
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We reply in writing within a week. From there, we can arrange an initial call to understand the project. If there is a fit, we agree a written scope before work begins.
Please keep anything confidential out of email until a nondisclosure agreement is in place. We can send one the same day.