Robot dogs to keep watch over World Cup fans as police unveil new unit | Football | Sport
Football enthusiasts planning to attend the 2026 World Cup will need to mind their manners as security measures intensify in preparation for the summer tournament. This is particularly true in Mexico, where the Municipality of Guadalupe has introduced a fleet of robot dogs to support law enforcement during the competition.
These mechanical hounds, dubbed the K9-X division, will serve as extra eyes on the ground for authorities in Nuevo Leon. Equipped with camera lenses, the microchipped chows will evaluate risks before stepping into potentially perilous situations. Serving as an initial line of defence, they will provide officers with a preview of any potential threats that may arise amid the World Cup frenzy. Hector Garcia, the mayor of Guadalupe, proudly presented four examples of these innovative creations to officers, town officials and the Secretary of Public Security, Alfredo Fabela. In a bold declaration about their role, he said: “This is the police force that will protect the World Cup!
“On the ground, these K9-X robot dogs will support the police with a first response, with video, and finally enter risky sites. In other words, before the police enter and to protect the physical integrity of the officers, the robots will intervene in the event of a fight or if someone is intoxicated. We have good police officers and cutting-edge technology for the safety of the people of Guadalupe.”
The four units reportedly set the local authorities back by approximately £105,000, equating to around £26,000 each. And just when it looked as though prized breeding was already a pricey industry.
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Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo Leon, is set to host four World Cup matches in total. Tunisia is scheduled to play twice at the Estadio BBVA: firstly against the UEFA Path B winner (either Ukraine, Sweden, Poland or Albania) on 14 June, and then against Japan on 20 June.
South Africa will also grace the pitch at Monterrey’s home ground on 24 June. The stadium’s fourth and final fixture will be a round-of-32 match between the Group F winner (with the Netherlands as favourites) and the Group C runner-up (either Brazil, Scotland, Morocco or Haiti).
“Guadalupe is a pioneer in including this new security system, which features video cameras, night vision lenses, voice commands and warnings, and is made of resistant material that can enter rough terrain,” read a statement from the Municipality of Guadalupe.
Alongside the technological feats, Guadalupe has ramped up its standard policing operations to ensure public safety during the World Cup. This encompasses 100 additional patrols and enhanced security protocols utilising aerial drones.
According to Garcia’s statement, the four-legged machines do not seem to possess any weaponised functions. Nevertheless, they are fully fitted with night vision capabilities, ensuring any troublemakers attempting to operate under cover of darkness will find no refuge.
Mexico will share hosting duties for the World Cup with Canada and the United States, with more than five million international visitors anticipated to attend. The Department of Homeland Security revealed in January that it intends to allocate approximately £84million towards counter-drone technology to minimise the risk of any airborne threats throughout the tournament.
