Mexican police will deploy robot dogs to help combat crime during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, authorities announced on Monday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the four-legged robots are designed to enter high-risk areas and transmit live video feeds to security operatives, allowing officers to assess threats before moving in.
The tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Purchased by Monterrey-Area Council
The robotic dogs were acquired by the Guadalupe city council, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area, which will host one of the World Cup venues.
According to officials, the robots were purchased for 2.5 million pesos (about $145,000).
A video released by the local government shows one of the robots walking through an abandoned building and climbing stairs, although with some difficulty. The robot is seen transmitting live images to police officers who follow behind it.
In the demonstration, the robotic dog encounters an armed suspect and uses a loudspeaker to order him to drop his weapon.
‘To Protect Officers’
Guadalupe Mayor Héctor García said the robots are meant to support officers during dangerous situations.
“The purpose of the robot dogs is to support police officers with initial intervention… to protect the physical safety of officers,” García said.
He added that they would be deployed “in case of any altercation” during the tournament.
BBVA Stadium, which will be known as Estadio Monterrey for the World Cup, is scheduled to host four matches.
