Robot Dogs Are on Going on Patrol at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico
Mexican authorities Guadalupe, Nuevo León, this week unveiled four robot dogs that will be part of the security features at BBVA Stadium, one of three Mexican venues for the 2026 World Cup.
The “K9-X” unit functions solely as a sort of first responder. The robot dogs are unarmed, but each unit incorporates video cameras, night vision and communications systems used to issue warnings or instructions. Its function is to deter illegal activities, detect unusual behavior, identify suspicious objects, control crowds and immediately alert law enforcement when the system deems it necessary.
Robot dogs operate semi-autonomously: they do not make decisions or execute movements on their own. Instead, they require an operator to control them as if operating a drone or video game. The operator can even use the robot’s control system to give instructions in the event of a crisis.
“These K9-X robot dogs will support the police in a first intervention, providing videos and ultimately entering high-risk locations, that is, before the intervention of public security forces. And to protect the physical safety of the officers, the robots will intervene in the event of a fight or intoxicated person,” said Héctor García, mayor of Guadalupe, during a press conference. “We have good police officers and we work hand in hand with cutting-edge technology for the safety of the people of Guadalupe. »
The K9-X unit has already made its first official intervention. During Club de Futbol Monterrey’s last match in the Concachampions, robots patrolled the perimeter of the BBVA stadium. According to the official statement, the “robotdogs” carried out preventive patrols at entrances and in main assembly areas.
Robot dogs are just one part of Guadalupe’s security strategy for the 2026 World Cup. The city also plans to use advanced surveillance drones and anti-drone technology to protect major events. Authorities have not released the model, manufacturer or many technical details of the K9-X units.
When the World Cup begins in June, BBVA Stadium will host four matches: three in the group stage and one in the round of 16.
This story originally appeared in WIRED in Spanish and has been translated from Spanish.
