A pack of robot dogs will assist Mexican police in combating crime during the 2026 World Cup this summer, authorities announced on Monday, February 10.

The four-legged robots are intended to enter dangerous areas and broadcast live video back to security forces, who can watch before intervening during the football tournament.

Mexico, the United States, and Canada will co-host the World Cup from June 11 to July 19.

The animaloid robots were purchased for 2.5 million pesos (S$183,865) by the city council of Guadalupe, which is part of the Monterrey metropolitan area and will host one of the World Cup venues.

A video released by the local government shows one of the robots walking on four legs through an abandoned building and climbing stairs, albeit with difficulty..

The robo-hound can be seen transmitting live images to a group of police officers walking stealthily behind it.

In the demonstration the canine robot encounters an armed man and orders him to drop his gun using a loudspeaker.

The purpose of the robot dogs is “to support police officers with initial intervention… to protect the physical safety of officers,” said Guadalupe mayor Hector Garcia.

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

BBVA Stadium, which will be known as Estadio Monterrey during the tournament, will host four matches.