Robot dogs become first responders for police at 2026 World Cup

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Guadalupe, a municipality near Monterrey, Mexico, will deploy four quadrupedal robot dogs as part of its law enforcement strategy. These robots, called the K9-X division, serve as first responders capable of entering confined or hazardous areas to assess threats before police officers intervene. Equipped with cameras, night vision, and rugged mobility, the robots can transmit live video, navigate difficult terrain, and issue voice commands to suspects, thereby reducing risks to human officers. Guadalupe’s city council invested approximately $145,000 in these units, emphasizing their non-weaponized role focused on surveillance, communication, and early threat detection. This robotic deployment complements a broader security enhancement for the World Cup, which includes increased police patrols and aerial surveillance with drones and counter-drone technology. With millions of international visitors expected and large crowds anticipated around venues such as Estadio Monterrey (formerly BBVA Stadium), authorities aim to improve situational awareness and crowd control while minimizing reactive policing