FCC allows waiver for Intel regarding imported robotics devices

The Federal Communications Commission granted Intel a waiver allowing the chipmaker to keep using foreign-made automated guided vehicles in its U.S. semiconductor plants, sparing the fleet from a July import ban. Intel said the vehicles move silicon wafers and other materials around factories and are critical to domestic chip manufacturing. The FCC added advanced overseas robots to its Covered List after a White House review found unacceptable national security risks; the rules restrict changes to hardware, software or firmware and let equipment users seek waivers. Intel argued no U.S. supplier offered a tested replacement meeting its needs and that replacing the vehicles would take years.