Home / Technology / Matic Robot Vacuum Clears FCC Ban Hurdle
Matic Robot Vacuum Clears FCC Ban Hurdle
6 Oct
Summary
- Matic robot vacuum and mop models added to FCC ban waiver list.
- Matic robot vacuums are assembled in Mountain View, California.
- Matic is increasing US manufacturing and seeking more US suppliers.
The Matic robot vacuum and mop has been added to the FCC's ban waiver list, a move that could help it navigate import regulations. Despite this, the company emphasizes that its current models, including the 4MA0001 robot and 4DK0008 dock, have already received FCC approval for their radio components. Matic's strategy includes assembling its robots in Mountain View, California, and utilizing off-the-shelf Intel Wi-Fi chips that are individually approved by the FCC.
Matic is also increasing its US manufacturing operations and actively seeking more domestic suppliers. The company has expanded its production facilities in Mountain View and relocated its offices to Menlo Park. This shift towards greater US production and local sourcing is becoming a key selling point for Matic, distinguishing it as a potentially unique, American-built floor cleaning robot.
CEO Mehul Nariyawala noted that while the company sources its core compute platform from Nvidia and other critical components from US companies when possible, it has not yet met the 65 percent US component threshold for a 'Made in the US' designation. The waiver might offer protection against future regulatory scrutiny concerning foreign components. Matic has seen significant growth, shipping 17,000 robots recently compared to 1,500 a year ago.
