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| Police in Guadalupe, Mexico, will deploy robot dogs to help secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup. |
As the world prepares for the largest FIFA World Cup in history—a 39-day spectacle spanning three nations—Mexican law enforcement is turning to unconventional recruits. In Guadalupe, a city neighboring Monterrey, the police department has unveiled four robotic dogs tasked with assisting officers during the 2026 tournament.
The presentation, led by local police chief Héctor García, offered a glimpse into the future of urban security. Scheduled for deployment during the World Cup (June 11 – July 19), these mechanical canines will patrol areas surrounding the Estadio Monterrey, formerly known as BBVA Stadium. The venue is set to host four matches, drawing tens of thousands of international visitors to the metropolitan area.
"A Shield for Our Officers"
During the public demonstration, García emphasized that the primary mission of these robots is force protection. "Their purpose is to ensure that our personnel do not enter dangerous zones blindly," García stated.
Equipped with high-resolution cameras and two-way communication systems, the robots are designed to enter high-risk environments—such as abandoned buildings or suspected ambush sites—ahead of human teams. They stream real-time video to command centers and can issue verbal commands to suspects via built-in speakers.
To illustrate their utility, authorities staged a simulated hostage or armed suspect scenario. The robots were dispatched into a derelict structure to locate an individual posing a threat. Viewing the operation from a mobile command unit several blocks away, officers watched as the robot issued an instruction to "drop the weapon." Only once the scene was deemed secure did tactical units move in to perform the arrest.
The Hardware Behind the Hype
While officials have not confirmed the exact technical specifications, the units bear a striking resemblance to the Unitree Go2, a agile quadruped robot manufactured by the Chinese firm Unitree Robotics. Known globally as a lighter, often more affordable alternative to Boston Dynamics' Spot, the Go2 model is capable of navigating stairs, rubble, and tight corridors.
The investment for this quadruple pack of robotic officers is approximately 2.5 million Mexican pesos, or roughly $140,000 USD. Considering the high-stakes nature of a global event like the World Cup, local officials view the expense as a necessary evolution in police work.
The official presentation footage, released by The Manila Times, shows the robot dogs navigating obstacles and interacting with officers during the simulation in Guadalupe.
A Welcoming Committee Like No Other
Guadalupe finds itself in a unique position. While Mexico boasts iconic football venues like the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the selection of Estadio Monterrey places significant security responsibility on this specific municipality.
The presence of robotic units raises inevitable comparisons to science fiction, but local authorities are keen to frame them strictly as tools, not replacements. "They are an extension of our eyes and ears," García clarified. "The decision to use force, the compassion to help a lost tourist—that remains human."
The announcement has generated mixed reactions online, ranging from excitement about Mexico’s technological leap to skepticism regarding data privacy and the militarization of police. However, for a police force preparing for the global spotlight, the robotic dogs represent a critical buffer between danger and duty.
As the countdown to June 11 continues, the streets of Guadalupe may soon echo with the metallic footsteps of the newest recruits on the beat.