Unidentified Chinese Robot Vacuum Receives FCC Approval Despite New Restrictions
A new robot vacuum from a Chinese manufacturer appears to be among the first approved by the FCC since restrictions on foreign-made robots took effect on July 28, though it remains unclear how the device qualified.
A new robot vacuum from a Chinese manufacturer appears to be among the first approved by the FCC since restrictions on foreign-made robots took effect on July 28, though it remains unclear how the device qualified.
The Federal Communications Commission granted approval Oct. 9 to Guangdong Shunde PLDK Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd., an appliance manufacturer based in Foshan, China.
.The robot appears in FCC records under ID 2BX4LRVC-PK004, and the application identifies it as RVC-PK004. A product label submitted with the filing, however, identifies the robot as model SD204.
What We Know
On July 28, the FCC added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List. The restrictions apply to products with autonomous navigation, environmental sensing, network connectivity and a combined weight of more than 4.4 pounds, including a docking station when applicable.
Manufacturers can seek conditional approval from the Department of War. There is no public indication that Guangdong Shunde PLDK received one. The SD204 may fall outside the restrictions, perhaps because of its weight, which hasn't been disclosed.
The filing confirms the SD204 supports 2.4 gigahertz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Its label lists a 14.4-volt operating voltage and a 19-volt charging input and references a compatible docking station, though the dock's capabilities are unknown.
An underside diagram shows a conventional circular design with a single side brush, a centrally positioned main roller and two drive wheels. There are no visible mop pads or advanced climbing mechanisms.
The manufacturer requested temporary confidentiality for several documents, including photographs and the user manual. Those records are scheduled to become public April 7, 2027.
Guangdong Shunde PLDK operates the Proteec.com website, which markets cordless vacuums, floor washers and steam mops. The company says it was founded in December 2017 and has manufacturing relationships with brands including TCL, Skyworth, Bear and Airmate. Those relationships do not establish which brand, if any, will sell the SD204.
U.S. Launch Remains Unclear
The manufacturer hasn't announced pricing, availability or plans for a U.S. launch.
The SD204's design suggests a relatively conventional robot vacuum, but its weight and navigation capabilities remain unconfirmed.
The authorization doesn't necessarily signal a change in FCC policy. It does show that a Chinese manufacturer can still obtain equipment authorization for a robot vacuum under the current framework.
Whether the SD204 falls outside the restrictions or qualified through another regulatory pathway is unclear.
For now, the filing offers a rare glimpse of a new robot vacuum working its way through an increasingly complicated U.S. regulatory environment.
