Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act

(a) In general. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in this Act the term robotics means any of the following:

(1) Programmable, multi-functional mechanical devices designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through variable programmed motions to perform a variety of tasks.

(2) Programmed actuated mechanisms with a degree of autonomy to perform locomotion, manipulation, or positioning.

(3) Automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multipurpose manipulators that are programmable in not fewer than 3 axes, which can be either fixed in place or fixed to a mobile platform for use in automation applications in an industrial environment.

(4) Machines that—

(A) can sense their environment;

(B) have the capacity to process the information they sense; and

(C) are organized to act directly upon their environment.

(5) Mechanical devices, which may also be referred to as unmanned ground vehicle systems, that—

(A) are capable of locomotion, navigation, or movement on the ground; and

(B) are operated at a distance by not fewer than 1 operator or supervisor based on commands or in response to sensor data or a combination thereof.

(b) Exceptions. In this Act, the term robotics does not include—

(1) unmanned aircraft systems;

(2) passenger vehicles; or

(3) toys.