MONTERREY, Mexico, Feb 10(V7N) – A pack of robot dogs will assist Mexican police in tackling crime and ensuring security during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, authorities said on Monday.

The four-legged robotic units are designed to enter high-risk or inaccessible areas and transmit live video footage to security forces, allowing officers to assess situations before taking action during the football tournament.

The World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The robot dogs were purchased for 2.5 million pesos (about $145,000) by the city council of Guadalupe, part of the Monterrey metropolitan area, which will host one of the tournament venues.

A video released by local authorities shows a robot dog walking through an abandoned building, climbing stairs—albeit with some difficulty—and transmitting live images to police officers following closely behind.

During the demonstration, the robotic canine encounters an armed suspect and orders him to drop his weapon through a built-in loudspeaker.

Guadalupe Mayor Hector Garcia said the robot dogs are intended “to support police officers with initial intervention and to protect the physical safety of officers.”

“They will be deployed in case of any altercation,” he added.

BBVA Stadium, to be renamed Estadio Monterrey for the tournament, is set to host four World Cup matches.

END/WSP/RH